Rivers and Resilience: Aboriginal People on Sydney's Georges River

by Heather Goodall, Alison Cadzow

Tracing the history of Aboriginal people along Sydney’s Georges River from the early periods of British and Irish settlements to the present, this study offers a dramatically new approach to Aboriginal history in an urban Australian setting. It investigates the role of traditional communities in this densely settled suburban area, showing how the continued presence of Aboriginal traditional owners is largely—and wrongly—dismissed or ignored. Telling the stories of real people who lived along the river, the research demonstrates that traditional owners took up active roles in sustaining rich cultural identity among Aboriginal communities and argues that these complex groups have continually regenerated their relationships and identity, thereby building on their traditions while engaging in a new present.

Genres: Nonfiction

344 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2009

Reviews

[Skadi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fascinating read that offered so much rich detail into the history of colonisation in Sydney's south and how Aboriginal people survived and fought from the beginning up until the time current to the publication date. The thread of strength and resilience weaves together people and place across time much like the river. This is told with sensitivity and written in a highly readable way. I highly recommend it to everyone but if you live or work or play near the Georges River area this is an absolute must.

[Ruggo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read. Very insightful look into Aboriginal history in the south of Sydney.