Impacts on First Peoples focus for event

LOCAL historian Dr Marguerita Stephens and local documentary filmmaker James Freemantle are joining together at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute for an evening of history.

The event will showcase and discus Stephens’ book The Years of Terror and Mr Freemantle’s documentary Bush to Belly.

Both works centre around colonisation and its impact on Indigenous peoples.

“The Years of Terror covers the first 15 years of the British colony at Melbourne and follows the journey of William Thomas,” said Stephens.

“He spent every day from the time he arrived in 1839 very closely engaged with Aboriginal people until his death in 1867.

“He was a very close observer of what was essentially the genocide of those clans.”

Stephens discovered Mr Thomas’ journal and decided to transcribe it, before writing her book which is based on the diary.

She later met Fremantle and they realised their common interests.

“James and I are both very strong supporters of the yes vote for the referendum and we met at an information stall for the yes vote,” said Stephens.

“He told me he made a documentary film which is also relevant to First Nations people are I was so taken by his wonderful, beautiful film.”

Freemantle’s film Bush to Belly shows a hopeful future for First Nations people which juxtaposes the difficult past shared in Stephens’ book.

“James’ film is a beautiful film about hopeful futures for young first nations people,” said Stephens.

In the context of the upcoming referendum, Stephens said she hopes the evening will help people gain a better understanding of the past.

“In recent weeks I’ve been surprised by how many people are saying they don’t know the history of what has happened,” she said.

“I’m hoping people can have a look at my book if they’re still thinking about how they might vote, it might add to their knowledge.”

The free evening of history will take place on Wednesday October 11 from 7.15pm. Bookings can be made on the BMI website.