Branded an outlaw and a resistance leader, Musquito has long been one of the most contested figures in Australia’s frontier history. In Edition 36 of Traces, Naomi Parry Duncan explores the events that led to his capture near Parramatta in 1805, and reflects on her own unexpected connection to Musquito’s story.
The 1850s were a time of great challenge for Australia’s European settlers, as the new migrants struggled to grapple with a land so foreign to their own back home. In particular, the Australian river systems proved to be a great mystery to the settlers as they were prone to both drying and flooding.
Famous for its beloved native quokkas, Rottnest Island is known as a premium holiday destination, just 19 kilometres from the coast of Perth. While the island now boasts luxury weekend escapes and natural tourist attractions, Rottnest Island has a lesser-known horrific past.
During the 1920s, many Aboriginal people moved to Fitzroy, Victoria, attracted by job prospects and cheap rent. Now replete with wine bars, bakeries and fancy restaurants, Fitzroy was once known as ‘Melbourne’s worst slum,’ but it was a thriving First Nations space with a real sense of community.
Since the settlement of Australia in 1788, the traditional owners have faced brutal oppression, violence and displacement. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have pushed back, shaping Australian history over the years with their strength, perseverance and defiance. These women are also responsible for educating future generations and advocating for Aboriginal rights. Here is a sneak peek at some of these women’s amazing lives and achievements.
