Colebee (c.1760-c.1806) was a Cadigal abducted with Bennelong on 25 November 1789. He soon escaped and was later sighted at Manly Cove during the spearing of Governor Phillip. On 18 October 1790, not long after Bennelong and some companions 'came in' peacefully to the Sydney settlement, Colebee met Governor Phillip to conclude a separate agreement and to receive a metal hatchet. He and Bennelong subsequently became the most recognised Aboriginal men in Sydney.
He assaulted Boorong in October 1790, and attempted to abduct another girl from Government House in May 1791. Colebee is said to have often taken part in ritual revenge battles. In July 1805, Colebee and Bennelong, who were usually allies, fought a duel over Bennelong's wife Kurubarabulu. Colebee may have died in a payback battle in 1806, but his death was not officially recorded and he was not mentioned after that year.
Alternate: Gringerry Kibba Coleby, Goungarree, Congare, Kebada Colby, Kólbi. Colebee exchanged names with the Gweagal warrior Wárungin, Wángubile Kólbi.
In the story
In November 1789 he sent Lieutenant William Bradley with a party of marines to Manly Cove where they succeeded in the traumatic abduction of two men - Colebee, a Cadigal, and a younger man, Bennelong, a Wangal.
From Abduction
It has been argued that the reprisal party wounded Warungin Wangubile – also known as Botany Bay Colebee.
From Settlement
His wife, Kurubarabula, had become the companion of Caruey, a young Cadigal man and relative of his old friend Colebee.
From Feud
See also: Glossary of people, places and words · Bennelong’s family