Born around 1813 on the Isle of Mull, Scotland, Catherine Campbell's life was shaped by courage and resilience. The daughter of John Campbell and Catherine McDonald, she grew up during a time of severe hardship in the Highlands and Islands. By 1837, widespread distress had left many families struggling to survive.
At the age of twenty-five, Catherine faced an uncertain future. Showing remarkable courage, she made the brave decision to leave her homeland and travel to Australia. In 1838 she arrived in New South Wales as a bounty passenger aboard the Brilliant. Described as being of good character and good health, she came as a house servant, joining many emigrants from Argyllshire seeking new opportunities on the other side of the world.
By 1839 Catherine was in Melbourne, where she married fellow Scot Donald Cameron. Neither Catherine nor Donald could sign their names, and their marriage attracted attention as it was believed to be the first union of a Highland couple celebrated in Melbourne.
Soon after their marriage, the Camerons settled in the Camperdown district where life was often lonely and challenging.
In 1849 the family, now with four children, established themselves on Cameron's Hill, overlooking Colac. The Cameron home became renowned for its hospitality and would be fondly remembered for "the kindness experienced at the old house on the hill".
Ten years later, Catherine once again faced an uncertain future when Donald died, leaving her with seven children aged from eighteen years to just one year old. Yet her strength and determination carried her through.
When Catherine died at home in 1893, aged eighty-one, people “from all classes” and nearly forty vehicles joined her funeral procession, reflecting the high esteem in which she was held as one of Colac's pioneering women.
Research by Raye Loughnan
Story by Merrill O’Donnell

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