image of person or book cover 5092151624508394207.jpg
Image courtesy of publisher's website.
Note: As told to Mark Lang, photography by Mark Lang.
Issue Details: First known date: 2015... 2015 Old Man’s Story: The Last Thoughts of Kakadu Elder Bill Neidjie
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AbstractHistoryArchive Description

'Known as ‘Old Man’ in this book, but often called ‘Big Bill Neidjie’ throughout his life because of his imposing height and strength, Bill Neidjie wanted to record aspects of his life for a younger generation of Gagadju, to help them look after their country and remember its stories, and for balanda (non-Aboriginal) people. Told in Old Man’s words, this beautifully nuanced, impressionistic account allows Neidjie to gently emphasise the issues of importance to him.'

'Old Man’s Story has a very personal inflection with Neidjie’s words complemented by Lang’s beautiful landscape photos. Structured in the cycle of the seasons, Old man’s story provides readers with insights into the annual transformation of landscape that are so integral to Neidjie’s story.'

'Old Man’s story contains many tales of growing up on country. Neidjie always emphasised his passion for the land and the significance of traditional practices, hoping that culture would flourish and be passed on. The book is a powerful contribution to the history of northern Australia told by an iconic figure. Bill Neidjie is perhaps best known for being central to the opening up his land which led to the

'Creation of the world-heritage listed Kakadu National Park and for recommending it be leased to the Commonwealth Government for it to be managed as a resource for all Australians.' (Source: Publisher's website)

Exhibitions

Notes

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this publication contains names and images of people who have passed away.
  • Foreword by Senator Nova Peris OAM, July 2015

Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of

    • Canberra, Australian Capital Territory,: Aboriginal Studies Press , 2015 .
      image of person or book cover 5092151624508394207.jpg
      Image courtesy of publisher's website.
      Extent: 240p.
      Description: illus. (b & w) and colour
      Note/s:
      • Published July 2015
      • Launched Wednesday 9 September 2015, by Senator Nova Peris OAM, at Parliament House, Senate Side, with book signing by Mark Lang.
      ISBN: 9781922059956, 9781922059956 (eBook)

Other Formats

Works about this Work

'Big Bill' Shares His Wisdom in New Book 2015 single work column
— Appears in: Koori Mail , 21 October no. 612 2015; (p. 19)
Book Tells Elder's Last Thoughts 2015 single work review
— Appears in: Koori Mail , 29 July no. 606 2015; (p. 42)

— Review of Old Man’s Story: The Last Thoughts of Kakadu Elder Bill Neidjie Bill Neidjie , Mark Lang , 2015 single work autobiography
'A new book, Old Man's Story, is the result of a collaboration between senior Aboriginal Gagadju Elder and traditional owner of Kakadu Old Man 'Big Bill' Neidjie and Mark Lang...'
Review : Old Man’s Story Dave Martus , 2015 single work review
— Appears in: Books + Publishing , vol. 94 no. 4 2015; (p. 23)

— Review of Old Man’s Story: The Last Thoughts of Kakadu Elder Bill Neidjie Bill Neidjie , Mark Lang , 2015 single work autobiography
Review : Old Man’s Story Dave Martus , 2015 single work review
— Appears in: Books + Publishing , vol. 94 no. 4 2015; (p. 23)

— Review of Old Man’s Story: The Last Thoughts of Kakadu Elder Bill Neidjie Bill Neidjie , Mark Lang , 2015 single work autobiography
Book Tells Elder's Last Thoughts 2015 single work review
— Appears in: Koori Mail , 29 July no. 606 2015; (p. 42)

— Review of Old Man’s Story: The Last Thoughts of Kakadu Elder Bill Neidjie Bill Neidjie , Mark Lang , 2015 single work autobiography
'A new book, Old Man's Story, is the result of a collaboration between senior Aboriginal Gagadju Elder and traditional owner of Kakadu Old Man 'Big Bill' Neidjie and Mark Lang...'
'Big Bill' Shares His Wisdom in New Book 2015 single work column
— Appears in: Koori Mail , 21 October no. 612 2015; (p. 19)
Last amended 22 May 2017 16:25:32
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