The Life of Fanny Hopkins: Nanny to Banjo Paterson

Samantha Elley
Jul 22
3 min read

Updated: Aug 4

A Glimpse into Fanny's Early Life

There is not much information on Fanny Hopkins. However, at a very young age, she was given the responsibility of caring for one of Australia's most celebrated sons when he was just a baby. She was the nanny to Banjo Paterson.

Fanny Hopkins with a three-year-old Banjo Paterson @1867

Fanny was born in Dubbo (before it was Dubbo) on Wiradjuri land in 1842. It was a tumultuous time for the Indigenous people living in the Central West of NSW. Ever since white settlers followed an Aboriginal track over the Blue Mountains, the lives of the Wiradjuri people changed forever.

As white settlement expanded over sacred Aboriginal sites and hunting grounds, the Wiradjuri faced increasing pressure. Their space for survival diminished. Many sought work with the newly established pastoralists as a means of survival.

The Impact of Gold Discovery

The discovery of gold in 1851 had a significant impact on the labor market. Many white laborers left to seek their fortunes on the gold fields. This left farmers understaffed. Aboriginal people soon filled the gap, taking on roles as laborers, shepherds, house staff, and even nannies. This is where 16-year-old Fanny Hopkins entered the picture.

Andrew Barton 'Banjo' Paterson was born on 17 February 1864 and grew up on Buckinbah Station near Yeoval, NSW. Buckinbah Station was known as a safe haven for Wiradjuri people during the 1800s. Fanny cared for Banjo until he turned five years old. This was when his father lost everything in a flood and was forced to sell the property and relocate.

The Changing Times for Aboriginal People

Many Aboriginal people who did not work for pastoralists were sent to reserves established by the Aboriginal Protection Board. This marked a significant shift in their lives. The reserves were often overcrowded and lacked adequate resources.

Fanny's life continued beyond her time as a nanny. She lived a long life, with descendants still residing on Wiradjuri land. She passed away in Sydney on 13 January 1924 and was buried at Rookwood General Cemetery three days later in plot Zone C Section M Grave 523.

Legacy of Fanny Hopkins

Fanny Hopkins' story is a testament to the resilience of the Wiradjuri people during a challenging period in Australian history. Her role as a nanny to Banjo Paterson connects her to a significant figure in Australian literature.

Despite the challenges faced by her community, Fanny's legacy endures through her descendants and the stories shared about her life. The impact of her contributions continues to resonate, reminding us of the rich history of the Wiradjuri people.

Conclusion

Fanny Hopkins played a crucial role in the early life of Banjo Paterson. Her story reflects the broader narrative of Indigenous Australians during the colonial era. It is essential to remember and honor the contributions of individuals like Fanny, who navigated the complexities of their time with strength and resilience.

References

'Fanny Hopkins', Findagrave, accessed 14th July, 2025, Fanny Hopkins (unknown-1924) - Find a Grave Memorial
'Banjo Paterson', Wikipedia, accessed 14th July, 2025, Banjo Paterson - Wikipedia
'Tubba-Gah Maing Wiraduri Aboriginal Corporation, Facebook, accessed 14th July, 2025, Facebook
'How the Wiradjuri people of Central West NSW survived first contact with European settlers, ABC, accessed 18th July, 2025, How the Wiradjuri people of Central West NSW survived first contact with European settlers - ABC News
'Australia Day 2023 in Dubbo. Address by Aboriginal Elder, Lewis Burns', Youtube, accessed 18th July, 2025, Australia Day 2023 in Dubbo. Address by Aboriginal Elder, Lewis Burns.