Harry "Mudgee" Phillips was a well-known Aboriginal stockman, horseman, and local icon in Wellington, NSW. Born in 1866 on a property along the Diamantina River in Queensland, he was intensely proud of being one of the few full-blood Aboriginal people in the state.
In his youth, he earned the nickname "Wild Harry" for his fearless ability to ride and break in horses. He travelled widely, spending time in Adelaide and Melbourne, where he was present for the Prince of Wales' visit in 1881 and proudly wore a commemorative medal. He also had a stint as a successful boxer before returning to the bush, working as a stockman across Queensland and New South Wales.
Phillips eventually settled on the Nanima Aboriginal Reserve in Wellington in the 1920s with his wife, Nellie Hackett, whom he married in Peak Hill in 1922. He was known for his remarkable strength and agility, even in his later years. At the Wellington Show in 1928, he was the chief rider and won a prize for his performance. He once held both Australian buck-jumping titles and was a respected horse breaker.
His adventurous spirit remained strong throughout his life. Even in his 80s, he participated in rodeos, famously riding a steer at the Wellington rodeo while dressed in jockey colours. He passed away at the age of 91 in Wellington District Hospital after a brief illness.
Phillips' legacy lives on as a celebrated figure in local history, remembered for his skill, resilience, and contributions to the community.
In his youth, he earned the nickname "Wild Harry" for his fearless ability to ride and break in horses. He travelled widely, spending time in Adelaide and Melbourne, where he was present for the Prince of Wales' visit in 1881 and proudly wore a commemorative medal. He also had a stint as a successful boxer before returning to the bush, working as a stockman across Queensland and New South Wales.
Phillips eventually settled on the Nanima Aboriginal Reserve in Wellington in the 1920s with his wife, Nellie Hackett, whom he married in Peak Hill in 1922. He was known for his remarkable strength and agility, even in his later years. At the Wellington Show in 1928, he was the chief rider and won a prize for his performance. He once held both Australian buck-jumping titles and was a respected horse breaker.
His adventurous spirit remained strong throughout his life. Even in his 80s, he participated in rodeos, famously riding a steer at the Wellington rodeo while dressed in jockey colours. He passed away at the age of 91 in Wellington District Hospital after a brief illness.
Phillips' legacy lives on as a celebrated figure in local history, remembered for his skill, resilience, and contributions to the community.