Cirrus@Austlit

'In 1965, a young man named Charles Perkins exposed the treatment of Indigenous Australians as second class citizens. Travelling on a bus, he led a group of university students on a 'freedom ride' through New south Wales and Queensland. Their protests against racism were met by outraged locals, but the students kept fighting for justice. They made headlines around the world, helping to change attitudes and, eventually, Australian laws. This is a story of the people, the ideas and the events surrounding the Freedom Ride, and how it changed Australia forever.' (Publication summary)

'Captain Cook's Voyage in the Endeavour is a pivotal story in Australia's history. The book brings this intriguing story alive with a highly visual presentation. Graphic-style re-enactments are used alongside conventional presentation to convey additional details, and to show different viewpoints simultaneously.' (Publication summary)

'In 1790, a military unit called the New South Wales corps was sent to guard the new colony against invasion or attack. The colony was run by a governor, and the members of the Corps were supposed to follow his orders. However, the Corps officers quickly gained power and stopped taking orders. Soon the controlling all trade in the colony, and taking the best land for themselves. In 1806 a new governor, William Bligh, Tried to take back control of the colony. The conflict that followed between Bligh and the New South Wales corps is known as the 'Rum Rebellion'. It is the only time in Australia's history that the government has been overthrown by the military. This is a story of the people, the ideas and the events that led to the Rum Rebellion, and how it changed Australia Forever.' (Publication summary)

'In 1966, Gurindji elder Vincent Lingiari led his people in a walkout off Wave Hill Cattle Station. The station was built on traditional Gurindji land, but the Gurindji people were treated like slaves and paid little. Nine years after the walkout, the Gurindji people won back their land and control of their lives. The Wave Hill walkout marks the beginning of the Indigenous land rights movement. This struggle continues today. This is a story of the people, the ideas and the events behind the walkout, and how it changed Australia forever.' (Publication summary)

'In 1854, a group of gold miners, led by Peter Lalor, built a wooden fort and took up guns against government troops. They believed they were fighting for justice and the right to vote, but the government saw the miners as troublemakers and rebels. The miners lost the battle, but eventually won the fight. The Eureka Stockade started a democratic movement that resulted in voting rights for all Australians.' (Publication summary)