Anthology - ‘Songs of the Unsung Heroes’
This collection of stories and verse began with a writers'
workshop, held in Barcaldine in 1999 as part of the Australian
Workers Heritage Centre's Women in Australia’s Working
History project. The writing project grew into the very
first “Spirit of the Outback" Writing Competition,
culminating in 2001 with over 300 writers from across the
nation sharing their stories about Australia’s working
women.
One of Australia's 'living national treasures' Margaret Whitlam
launched the anthology in July 2002 as part of the opening
celebrations of Stage One of the Working Women project.
There are a limited number of anthologies available from
either our gift shop or by contacting the National Office.
At just $19.95 plus postage they make a wonderful gift or
keepsake. The sale of the anthologies helps us to continue
our work in telling 'herstory'.
Here are just a few of the stories and poems featured in
the anthology.
The Long Paddock
A haiku series by John Bird - a poet from the east coast
of Australia.
Desert rockhole -
they sit down to listen
to her story
bush medicine -
he shows the spear wound
to aunty
...read
more (PDF 28k)
Pepper and Salt
Margaret Visciglio is a sixth generation Australian. Her
story is based on the life of her great grandmother, Emma.
The storm clouds gather over the
salt lake, darkening the sky. She almost thought she could
feel the sweet sulphurous scent of rain in the back of her
throat this time, but she knew it was only the memory of
rains past. The clouds would pass over, leaving the land
as thirsty as ever. They always did. The sheep herded in
the pens that Robert had built, awaiting shearing and their
expected release to the empty paddocks where the limestone
rocks lay among the dust.
...read
more (PDF 19k)
The Spirit of Matilda
Constance Herbert was a great traveller, collector of stories
and adventurer in her lifetime. Her trip to Barcaldine was
sadly, one of her last big adventures. The inclusion of her
piece, ‘The Spirit of Matilda’ is our tribute to
this hard working woman who passed away in December 2002.
In memory of Mary Doherty, 1898
- 1987
The children all were growing up
(the last had just left school)
but money still was needed,
so to add some to the pool
she packed her swag – at fifty-six –
then headed for the track
and became a unique legend
in the shearing sheds outback
...read more
(PDF 17k)
Every Hour
Angela Murphy’s poem ‘Every Hour’ is an ode
to working mothers and the many demands on their time and
resources.
Her part-time job helps them survive
Keeps her driven mind alive
And demonstrates efficient talents
For a working-mother balance
When she leaves the paid-work scene,
Face of calm, like plasticine,
Hides the woman
Who dons the cap
Family organiser
Mental map -
...read more
(PDF 20k)
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