Telegraphist

Photograph

Helen Pangieran

Mary Helen Pangieran (also known as Mary Helen Cuper) worked as a telegraph operator in New Norcia in 1874. This was a highly unusual posting, not only because Pangieran was a woman, but an Aboriginal woman at that. Mary Helen is said to have received proper wages for her work, which would also have been highly unusual for an Aboriginal woman at the time. Sadly, Mary Helen died after only three years as the telegraphist, but she trained her successor, Sarah Carrwyungo (more usually known as Sarah Ninak) well. When Governor Robinson visited New Norcia in 1877, Sarah was asked to send and receive a telegram on the Governor’s behalf. Apparently, he was so delighted with her telegraphy abilities that he promised to inform the Minister for the Colonies in London.

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New Norcia Museum

A taste of Europe in the WA bush

Enter New Norcia and you’ll feel as though you have stumbled upon another era. The magnificent buildings, monastery, olive trees and church bells feel as though they would be more at home in Europe...

Address:

New Norcia Rd
New Norcia WA 6509
Australia

Tel:

(08) 9654 8056

Email:

museum@newnorcia.wa.edu.au

Open Hours

7 days 9.30am - 4.30pm; Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day & Boxing Day

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As an accomplished musician himself, Rosendo Salvado was quick to note the Yued people’s musical abilities. He formed an Aboriginal boy’s choir in the early 1870s, followed by a trained string...