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Oral Histories Giving a Voice

Giving a voice

Andrew Allen interviews six amazing people with very unique and inspiring backgrounds. He learns of the struggles each have had to overcome and the joys each have experienced.

John Delaney

Born on Burra Bee Dee Mission John escaped becoming part of the stolen generation when his family heeded a warning and went to live in Redfern. John describes hardships suffered and open racism experienced by Australia's First Nations people. He talks also of good times and of the many voices that helped the Aboriginal people to which he would add his own, becoming involved with indigenous affairs, community and politics.

Read the transcript of John's interview(PDF, 276KB)

Pastor Michael and Tori Duckett

Growing up in the Illawarra, Michael shares his views on reconciliation, equality and how his religious beliefs align with his culture. Tori, Michael's daughter has always lived in Campbelltown and since leaving school is studying Health and Education at university while continuing to dance with the Wiritjiribin dance troupe.

Read the transcript of Michael and Tori's interview(PDF, 154KB)

Rosemary Kariuki

Growing up in the Usain Gishu district of the Rift Valley in East Africa, Rosemary cared for the youngest group of sixteen of her father's children when he suddenly passed away while the others worked the farm. She was 10. Rosemary believed for the longest time that you can't talk bad of adults. That finally changed in 2007 when she did the documentary "The Baulkham Hill African Ladies Troup." Rosemary's indomitable spirit shines through in this remarkable interview.

Read the transcript of Rosemary's interview(PDF, 144KB)

Brian Laul

Born in what is now Chennai, South India, Brian went to University and had a distinguished career as a journalist interviewing the likes of Mother Teresa and Muhammad Ali among others. Initially visiting Australia for a fun trip, he and his family moved here in 1997. Whenever Brian has seen a community need, he has championed it beginning many well received projects and finding time to stage a very different musical version of the Wizard of Oz and operate a business. He became a citizen of the year in 2023.

Read the transcript of Brian's interview(PDF, 230KB)

Hamani Tanginoa

Born in Campbelltown at the beginning of the 21st century, Hamani relays what life was like growing up here with a strongly community minded family and shares with us their heritage and identity with Wiradjuri, Gureng Gureng and Tongan bloodlines. Hamani became integral to the Smash the Silence music events the first Aboriginal Youth Premiere when in 2019 they were elected to the NSW Youth Parliament representing for two years as well as being the first openly gay premiere in the program's history.