Murray Now

A glimpse into the mind-set of Australia's famous bushranger Ned Kelly is commemorated with the Jerilderie Letter Event in February.

The annual event recognises the significant piece of Australian history that took place in the Jerilderie town-ship in 1879.

Ned Kelly and his gang raided Jerilderie, robbing the Bank of New South Wales and holding more than 30 local residents hostage in the local pub and locking the police in their own cell.

While they were detained, Kelly explained that police persecution had led to the deaths of the three policemen at Stringybark Creek, and he wanted to explain his side of the story.

Kelly couldn't locate the editor of the Jerilderie Newspaper to publish his account of events over the past eleven years, so he handed the now famous "Jerilderie Letter" to a bank teller who offered to hand it on. The manuscript wasn't delivered to the editor and in fact didn't resurface until more than 100 years later.

To commemorate the captivating story, the community of Jerilderie organised its first "Jerilderie Letter Event" in 2002. Committee member Lisa Brackenrig says the event has grown to include a full program of activities to tempt tourists to the town this year.

"It's our only really genuine claim to fame in terms of Australian history," Ms Brackenrig said.

"Through the Jerilderie Letter, Ned Kelly gives his account of trying to justify his actions. It also gives an insight into his personality and his sense of humour and it is the only document that lets us hear from the man himself."

While the community of Jerilderie has the passion to run this event, they've been assisted by the team from Murray Now who have helped guide the organisational aspects.

"They've been terrific in offering us professional strategic direction for the event," Ms Brackenrig said.

"Murray Now has given us professional advice that we can take on board and use for future funding submissions. We also have clearer direction on how we can evaluate our event and offer greater community involvement and economic benefits.

"Their support allows us to take the Jerilderie Letter Event to a higher level of professionalism and generate greater interest from tourists."

The February program includes re-enactments, telegram activities for children, a gala dinner featuring celebrities including former AFL player Billy Brownless, street parades, bus tours of Ned Kelly gang sites, a show 'n' shine, The Australian Ned Kelly Song Awards and other attractions.

"We feel this event is a great platform to help establish Jerilderie as a tourist destination," Ms Brackenrig said.

"We're finding our town is an excellent stepping stone for travellers on their way to other destinations, given we're close to the Murrumbidgee and Murray River tourist hot spots.

"We're offering an outback experience, without being too far from Melbourne and we're also on the Newell Highway which is the shortest route between Sydney and Adelaide. If we can encourage day trippers to stay a while as part of their bigger journey, that would be great. The Jerilderie Letter Event might also encourage visitors to return another time."

Further details of the Jerilderie Letter Event on February 5-7 can be found on their website, www.jerilderieletterevent.com.au.