Born in New Zealand, David James Jones, dubbed ’Possum’, immigrated to Australia in 1924 and found work as a shearer for the Stock Owners Association.

During the Great Depression in 1929, when his money was stolen from the boarding house he was staying at, Possum went bush and became a recluse. He declared himself unfinancial when he couldn’t pay his Australian Workers Union Ticket and then lost his shearing job. Disillusioned and disappointed, he turned his back on society and relegated himself to the bush.

Possum was widely known around the Wentworth NSW area. For over half a century he roamed the surrounding bush, having a number of camping spots along the Murray and Darling Rivers. He lived in isolation, preferring his beloved bush and the company of animals, to any human contact. He was renowned for his independence and the long distances he travelled by foot in relatively short periods of times. He was often seen climbing trees in search of honey and sleeping in tree ‘hides’; these habits led locals to refer to him as “The Possum”.

Possum was a shy, gentle person who didn’t do any harm. He always kept himself clean and fit and his pride would not allow him to accept food or shelter. Station owners often found fences and gates mended, wood chopped, sheep crutched, weeds cleared and newspapers missing (although always put back a few days later!). The only payment he ever accepted was for salt and matches. He was well trusted, although if no-one was about, he also habitually released station dogs which were chained up.

Possum died at 82. His body was found against a large gum tree on the Victorian side of the Murray River, just up from Lock 8, on August 4, 1982. It is believed that he had been dead for at least four weeks. A funeral was held, paid for by locals, and was attended by over 250 people, including local and national media. He lays at rest at the Wangumma Cemetery. His headstone simply reads: “David James Jones ‘Possum’ 1901-1982 – at rest where he roamed”. A statue has been erected in his honor in Wentworth. Source: https://visitwentworth.com.au/a-man-called-possum/