AWU backs new From Little Things Big Things Grow kid's book
06 November 2008
Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody's remarkable song, From Little Things Big Things Grow is based on the story of the famous Wave Hill Gurindji strike.
The song, now a popular anthem for indigenous reconciliation, tells the story of the proud Gurindji mob, their leader Vincent Lingiari and their stand against the might of the cattle baron, Lord Vestey. It is a story of hope and optimism.
Unions played key role in 1966 walk-off
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Ian Thorpe, Kev Carmody, |
Order a copy of the book - click here
Technically it is a kid's book but it's one Australians of all ages can enjoy - especially if you can't get the words of the song out of your head.
At the launch Patrick Dodson, Chairman of the Lingiari Foundation, made special mention of the union movement giving Vincent Lingiari and the Gurindji mob a voice heard across the nation.
The union movement in the Northern Territory played a key role backed the 1966 walk-off by the Gurindji from Vestey's Wave Hill cattle station in the Northern Territory. What began as a strike over wages and conditions ended as a battle for land rights that pre-dated Mabo.
In the first months following the beginning of the strike, the Gurindji moved camp to Wattie Creek, in the heart of their traditional land and waited.
Gurindji knew they were pursuing justice
They knew they had right on their side and would win out. They just had to be patient.
The strike lasted seven years.
In August 1975, Prime Minister Gough Whitlam arrived and poured the sand into old Vincent's hand, symbolising the return of their land to the Gurindji, the traditional owners.
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The cover of the book From Little Things Big Things Grow |
| Order a copy of the book click here |
By buying a book you will help the proud Gurindji people keep their culture alive, so future generations, the descendants of the strikers, know their important place in history.
Ian Thorpe backing sales of this book
Queensland artist Peter Hudson's evocative landscapes and marvellous paintings by the kids from Gurindji country illustrate this inspirational story immortalised by Paul Kelly & Kev Carmody in the song that moved a generation.
Ian Thorpe's Fountain for Youth is backing the sales of this new book and willl channel all the profits raised by the book sales to the Gurindji community.
Ian Thorpe's organization empowers children, improving their education and health from the youngest age - the Fountain for Youth aims to help all Australian children read and enjoy their own stories.
National Secretary: Paul Howes