In 1887, at Gunnedah in north-central NSW, they dug up an old chief's' grave from under the streets of the town. The local doctor, who was a collector of Aboriginal bones, wanted to examine the skeleton.

So would emerge the fascinating saga of Gambu Ganuuru or “Red Kangaroo", a great war-leader of the Kamilaroi [Camil raay] people, who had lived and died in the days before Captain Cook sailed to discover the east coast of New Holland.

Gambu's exploits were remembered by 'Old Joe' Bungaree, an elder of the local Aboriginal people. 'Old Joe' related the traditions to his friend, the local Sergeant of Police, J P Ewing.

Hence the 'Ewing Manuscripts', with their stirring tales of hunting, fighting and wife-stealing; and of how Gambu led the defence of Gunnedah against its enemies. The stories had been handed down, from father to son, from mother to daughter -"sung for generations" - for over 100 years.