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Notable First Australians

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have made significant contributions to the Australian community across a wide range of areas.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have struggled for many decades to gain greater rights and freedoms. Poor living conditions, lack of access to education and government policy projects such as the Stolen Generation have shaped relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider Australian community.

Despite these obstacles, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have made significant contributions to the Australian community across a wide range of areas.

Curriculum areas

  • Year 6 History

Questions

  • What are some of the ways that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have contributed to the Australian community? 
  • What are some of the obstacles Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have faced in achieving recognition in their chosen fields?
  • How have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people worked to overcome and raise awareness of these issues?

Records

Record

Champion boxer Lionel Rose.

Champion boxer Lionel Rose

A 1968 photograph of Aboriginal boxer Lionel Rose working out at a gymnasium, most-likely at the home of his trainer, Jack Rennie, in Essendon.

Record

Served in World War I & II

Attestation form for Herbert Lovett

This is a Mobilization Attestation Form (enlistment form) filled out by Herbert Stahle Lovett, a
Gunditjmara man from Lake Condah in Victoria.

Record

Portrait of Aboriginal artist Jimmy Pike (Kurntikujarra).

Portrait of Aboriginal artist Jimmy Pike (Kurntikujarra)

A colour photograph of Aboriginal artist Jimmy Pike, also known by his Walmajarri name Kurntikujarra.

Record

Michael 'Mick' Dodson.

Indigenous rights activist and lawyer Michael 'Mick' Dodson

This black-and-white photograph shows Michael 'Mick' Dodson, an Aboriginal lawyer, academic and advisor to governments.

Record

Oodgeroo Noonuccal walking toward the camera in King George Square Brisbane.

Aboriginal poet and activist Oodgeroo Noonuccal (formerly known as Kath Walker)

This black-and-white photograph shows Kath Walker, later known as Oodgeroo Noonuccal, an Aboriginal poet, artist, conservationist and political activist.

Record

Portrait of Indigenous activist and public servant Pat O'Shane.

Aboriginal activist and barrister Pat O'Shane

A photograph of Aboriginal activist and public servant Pat O'Shane, in her position as the head of the New South Wales Department of Aboriginal Affairs.

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