The book describes at first hand the experiences of Aborigines living in Victoria. It contains individual stories of hardships and recalls of life on fringe camps, missions and reserves. These accounts are also about the loss of life and the determination of Aboriginal people to survive inhumane treatment and appalling conditions brought about by government legislation and lack of funding. The individual life experiences relive memories of work, crafts, the depression, mission life, building humpies and the forced removal of children. There are individual stories of hope, family reunions and community working together in order to build a better future.
Jackson Track is located near Drouin in Gipplsand. It was once a haven for Aboriginal families fleeing the harsh repression of Lake Tyers Reserve and for others it was simply a place which offered the opportunity ot raise their families in freedom and dignity. They built their community without the help or permission of town planners, using bush skills, and whatever materials lay to hand.
