Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council has been informed that the Heritage Council of NSW resolved, at its meeting on 5 March 2024, to give notice of its intention to consider listing Captain Moonlite and James Nesbitt’s Graves on the State Heritage Register (SHR) in acknowledgement of its heritage significance to the people of New South Wales. This advice is in accordance with section 33(1)(a) of the Heritage Act 1977 (NSW).
Any members of the community, owners, managers, organisations or other interested parties are invited to make a written submission regarding the proposed listing and significance of Captain Moonlite and James Nesbitt’s Graves. Submissions should be posted or emailed to the Heritage Council of NSW at the following address during the public submission period commencing on 14 March 2024 and closing on 11 April 2024: Please note that the Heritage Council is unable to accept submissions received after the closing date.
Heritage Council of NSW
Locked Bag 5020
PARRAMATTA NSW 2124
heritagemailbox@environment.nsw.gov.au
Captain Moonlite and James Nesbitt’s Graves are likely to be of state heritage significance for their historical, associative, and rarity values. The grave of Andrew George Scott (Captain Moonlite) is the final resting place of one of the 19th century’s best-known bushrangers, a notorious figure of State associational value. Captain Moonlite’s unique contribution to bushranging folklore is likely of State historic significance for providing a window into queer relationships in the 19th century. His recorded death cell request to be buried with his gang mate, James Nesbitt, was fulfilled 115 years after his execution, reflecting the ongoing impact of his legacy. Scott’s expression of his feelings for Nesbitt is a significant and rare example of this type of publicly acknowledged same-sex relationship in the 19th century. The burial place is rare in its demonstration of a diverse counternarrative within the broader historical discourse of masculinity, relationships, and crime in Australian bushranging.
For further details on the nominated item and how to make a submission, go to the NSW Government Environment and Heritage website: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/heritage/request-a-heritage-listing/nominate-an-item-for-listing-on-the-state-heritage-register/comment-on-nominations.
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Captain Moonlite and James Nesbitt’s Graves are likely to be of state heritage significance for their historical, associative, and rarity values. The Heritage Council of NSW are asking for written submissions regarding the proposed listing and significance of Captain Moonlite and James Nesbitt’s Graves.
