Four former Cootamundra Public School students, now all of Cootamundra High School, have penned a book highlighting the district’s indigenous connection.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Bayley Derrick, Alicia Harland, Brodie Jenkins and Blake Sloan are behind Cultural Landscapes of the Gudhamangdhuray Wiradjuri.
The group was selected to work on the book after entering a written piece explaining why they wanted to be part of the project.
From there, students worked with teachers and parents, including Bill Godman, Alice Crawford, Amanda Levett, Mandy and Michael DeMestre, Bernie Ryan, Dianne Berkrey, Uncle Bob Glanville and Peter Beath to produce a comprehensive local indigenous history.
Launching the book on Wednesday, Mr Godman said while the book is a positive outcome, the real outcome came from the knowledge garnered by the students over the 12 months they spent creating the finished product.
Students spoke at length to local people including Uncle Bob and visited sites in Cootamundra, Harden and Wallendbeen.
For Miss Harland, she was unaware of the history of the Cootamundra Girls Home until she completed the project, while Mr Jenkins said he learned the importance of aboriginal culture.
The book will be available in local schools and the Cootamundra Library or can be downloaded online at http://library.envirostories.com.au/catalogue/cultural-landscapes-wiradjuri/
Copies were also presented at the launch to all familes involved.
