- Table View
- List View
Kokoda Trail for Dummies
by Peter WilliamsEverything you need to know about the Kokoda Trail and its place in Australian history Interest in the Kokoda Trail is growing rapidly among many Australians, both for its attraction as a hiking destination and for its historical significance. Kokoda For Dummies offers a fast track tool for learning everything you need to know about this unique thoroughfare, in one concise volume. Part history book, part practical guide, Kokoda For Dummies is perfect both for those considering following our Diggers’ footsteps along ‘the track’ or armchair travellers who want to learn about its history. Covering the full history of the Kokoda Trail, from its beginnings as an overland mail route to the fierce battles between the Australians and the Japanese that took place along its length during World War II, the book also includes important information on walking the trail yourself. From the steps you need to take to get ready to what to bring, Kokoda For Dummies is the definitive resource for anyone looking for a comprehensive overview of this significant landmark. Focuses on walking the track as a pilgrimage and a history lesson for history buffs and hiking enthusiasts alike Covers the health and safety concerns involved with walking the track, including a basic Kokoda itinerary Contains eyewitness accounts of the Kokoda battles gleaned from interviews conducted with Australian and Japanese war veterans A comprehensive but accessible history of the Kokoda Trail and its significance to Australia, in one volume.
Kokoda Trail for Dummies
by Peter WilliamsEverything you need to know about the Kokoda Trail and its place in Australian history Interest in the Kokoda Trail is growing rapidly among many Australians, both for its attraction as a hiking destination and for its historical significance. Kokoda For Dummies offers a fast track tool for learning everything you need to know about this unique thoroughfare, in one concise volume. Part history book, part practical guide, Kokoda For Dummies is perfect both for those considering following our Diggers’ footsteps along ‘the track’ or armchair travellers who want to learn about its history. Covering the full history of the Kokoda Trail, from its beginnings as an overland mail route to the fierce battles between the Australians and the Japanese that took place along its length during World War II, the book also includes important information on walking the trail yourself. From the steps you need to take to get ready to what to bring, Kokoda For Dummies is the definitive resource for anyone looking for a comprehensive overview of this significant landmark. Focuses on walking the track as a pilgrimage and a history lesson for history buffs and hiking enthusiasts alike Covers the health and safety concerns involved with walking the track, including a basic Kokoda itinerary Contains eyewitness accounts of the Kokoda battles gleaned from interviews conducted with Australian and Japanese war veterans A comprehensive but accessible history of the Kokoda Trail and its significance to Australia, in one volume.
Indigenous Australia For Dummies
by Larissa BehrendtA comprehensive, relevant, and accessible look at all aspects of Indigenous Australian history and culture What is The Dreaming? How many different Indigenous tribes and languages once existed in Australia? What is the purpose of a corroboree? What effect do the events of the past have on Indigenous peoples today? Indigenous Australia For Dummies, Second Edition answers these questions and countless others about the oldest race on Earth. It explores Indigenous life in Australia before 1770, the impact of white settlement, the ongoing struggle by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to secure their human rights and equal treatment under the law, and much more. Celebrating the contributions of Indigenous people to contemporary Australian culture, the book explores Indigenous art, music, dance, literature, film, sport, and spirituality. It discusses the concept of modern Indigenous identity and examines the ongoing challenges facing Indigenous communities today, from health and housing to employment and education, land rights, and self-determination. Explores significant political moments—such as Paul Keating's Redfern Speech and Kevin Rudd's apology, and more Profiles celebrated people and organisations in a variety of fields, from Cathy Freeman to Albert Namatjira to the Bangarra Dance Theatre and the National Aboriginal Radio Service Challenges common stereotypes about Indigenous people and discusses current debates, such as a land rights and inequalities in health and education Now in its second edition, this book will enlighten readers of all backgrounds about the history, struggles and triumphs of the diverse, proud, and fascinating peoples that make up Australia's Indigenous communities. With a foreword by Stan Grant, Indigenous Australia For Dummies, Second Edition is a must-read account of Australia’s first people.
Indigenous Australia For Dummies (For Dummies Ser.)
by Larissa BehrendtA comprehensive, relevant, and accessible look at all aspects of Indigenous Australian history and culture What is The Dreaming? How many different Indigenous tribes and languages once existed in Australia? What is the purpose of a corroboree? What effect do the events of the past have on Indigenous peoples today? Indigenous Australia For Dummies, Second Edition answers these questions and countless others about the oldest race on Earth. It explores Indigenous life in Australia before 1770, the impact of white settlement, the ongoing struggle by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to secure their human rights and equal treatment under the law, and much more. Celebrating the contributions of Indigenous people to contemporary Australian culture, the book explores Indigenous art, music, dance, literature, film, sport, and spirituality. It discusses the concept of modern Indigenous identity and examines the ongoing challenges facing Indigenous communities today, from health and housing to employment and education, land rights, and self-determination. Explores significant political moments—such as Paul Keating's Redfern Speech and Kevin Rudd's apology, and more Profiles celebrated people and organisations in a variety of fields, from Cathy Freeman to Albert Namatjira to the Bangarra Dance Theatre and the National Aboriginal Radio Service Challenges common stereotypes about Indigenous people and discusses current debates, such as a land rights and inequalities in health and education Now in its second edition, this book will enlighten readers of all backgrounds about the history, struggles and triumphs of the diverse, proud, and fascinating peoples that make up Australia's Indigenous communities. With a foreword by Stan Grant, Indigenous Australia For Dummies, Second Edition is a must-read account of Australia’s first people.
My People
by Noonuccal OodgerooImmerse yourself in the poetry of one of Australia’s foremost Indigenous artists My People is a compilation of the poetry of Oodgeroo, of the tribe Noonuccal, Custodian of the land Minjerribah. This collection of captivating poetry detailing the struggle of Australia’s Indigenous peoples is more relevant today than ever before. While she passed away in 1993, Oodgeroo remains one of Australia’s most influential Aboriginal poets. Her poetry leaves little room to argue why that shouldn’t be the case. Razor-sharp and incisive, while simultaneously haunting and beautiful, Oodgeroo’s poems will enchant both young and old alike. My People is a bewitching collection of Oodgeroo’s poems that belongs on the bookshelves of every art lover and anyone with an appreciation of the written word.
My People
by Noonuccal OodgerooImmerse yourself in the poetry of one of Australia’s foremost Indigenous artists My People is a compilation of the poetry of Oodgeroo, of the tribe Noonuccal, Custodian of the land Minjerribah. This collection of captivating poetry detailing the struggle of Australia’s Indigenous peoples is more relevant today than ever before. While she passed away in 1993, Oodgeroo remains one of Australia’s most influential Aboriginal poets. Her poetry leaves little room to argue why that shouldn’t be the case. Razor-sharp and incisive, while simultaneously haunting and beautiful, Oodgeroo’s poems will enchant both young and old alike. My People is a bewitching collection of Oodgeroo’s poems that belongs on the bookshelves of every art lover and anyone with an appreciation of the written word.
Father Sky and Mother Earth
by Oodgeroo NoonuccalCelebrate the work of one of Australia’s foremost Aboriginal poets with this timeless illustrated storybook Father Sky and Mother Earth created a beautiful world. They filled the world with plants and animals, and everyone lived in peace and happiness … until Human Animals came along with their noise, rubbish, smoke and oil. The animals ran away and plants began to die. This cautionary story, accompanied by colourful illustrations, has a happy ending. Discover how the worried Human Animals stop the destruction. This 4th edition of Father Sky and Mother Earth contains a vital message that is as relevant today as it was when the story was first published 40 years ago.This special edition brings this vital book back into print in time for NAIDOC week.
Australian Politics For Dummies
by Nick Economou Zareh GhazarianUnderstand Aussie politics and make your vote count! Australian Politics For Dummies gives you a helping hand as you get to grips with the good, the bad and the ugly of Australian politics. Seasoned political punters and voting novices alike will find fascinating facts and top thrills in in this essential guide. Master the ins and outs of elections, parties and policies. In no time, you'll be discussing and debating the biggest issues with ease. Down under, we all have to vote. It's one of the many beautiful things about this land of ours, and this book will help you learn why (and how) to cast that ballot. This updated edition gives you everything you need to cast your vote with confidence. You'll identify what makes the Australian political system tick, distinguish between the different political parties and understand the influence of the media in Australian politics. Decipher political terminology, make sense of the houses of parliament and understand why we have minor parties Learn how Australia's political system evolved and grasp today's voting systems Make sense of coalition politics and figure out the differences between the Labor and Liberal parties Find out why Australia's system of government is described as 'Washminster,' and discover the Whips and the Usher of the Black Rod You want to know more about Australian politics, but, if we're being realistic, it's very complicated. Australian Politics For Dummies clears it all up.
Australian Politics For Dummies
by Nick Economou Zareh GhazarianUnderstand Aussie politics and make your vote count! Australian Politics For Dummies gives you a helping hand as you get to grips with the good, the bad and the ugly of Australian politics. Seasoned political punters and voting novices alike will find fascinating facts and top thrills in in this essential guide. Master the ins and outs of elections, parties and policies. In no time, you'll be discussing and debating the biggest issues with ease. Down under, we all have to vote. It's one of the many beautiful things about this land of ours, and this book will help you learn why (and how) to cast that ballot. This updated edition gives you everything you need to cast your vote with confidence. You'll identify what makes the Australian political system tick, distinguish between the different political parties and understand the influence of the media in Australian politics. Decipher political terminology, make sense of the houses of parliament and understand why we have minor parties Learn how Australia's political system evolved and grasp today's voting systems Make sense of coalition politics and figure out the differences between the Labor and Liberal parties Find out why Australia's system of government is described as 'Washminster,' and discover the Whips and the Usher of the Black Rod You want to know more about Australian politics, but, if we're being realistic, it's very complicated. Australian Politics For Dummies clears it all up.
Australian History For Dummies
by Alex McDermottExplore the land down under with your friends at Dummies Australia might be most famous for kangaroos, koalas, friendly people, and decidedly unfriendly critters (like the black widow spider, yikes!), but did you know that its government was dismissed by the British Crown in 1975? Or that human beings have lived on the continent for around 65,000 years? In Australian History For Dummies, you???ll discover all that ??? and more ??? as you discover the history of Indigenous Australians, colonial explorers, and the modern inhabitants of one of the most fascinating nations, islands, and continents in the world today!
Australian History For Dummies
by Alex McDermottExplore the land down under with your friends at Dummies Australia might be most famous for kangaroos, koalas, friendly people, and decidedly unfriendly critters (like the black widow spider, yikes!), but did you know that its government was dismissed by the British Crown in 1975? Or that human beings have lived on the continent for around 65,000 years? In Australian History For Dummies, you???ll discover all that ??? and more ??? as you discover the history of Indigenous Australians, colonial explorers, and the modern inhabitants of one of the most fascinating nations, islands, and continents in the world today!
The Tiger Man of Vietnam (Hachette Military Collection)
by Frank WalkerThe Vietnamese hilltribes made him a demi-god. The CIA wanted to kill him. This is the remarkable true story of Australian war hero Barry Petersen.As he flew over South East Asia towards Vietnam, Captain Barry Petersen struggled to keep an aura of calm. Inwardly he was incredibly excited. Aged 28, highly trained, with experience in anti-communist guerilla warfare, he was about to embark on the biggest and most important mission of his life.In 1963, Australian Army Captain Barry Petersen was sent to Vietnam. It was one of the most tightly held secrets of the Vietnam War: long before combat troops set foot there and under the command of the CIA, Petersen was ordered to train and lead guerilla squads of Montagnard tribesmen against the Viet Cong in the remote Central Highlands.Petersen successfully formed a fearsome militia, named 'Tiger Men'. A canny leader, he was courageous in battle, and his bravery saw him awarded the coveted Military Cross, and worshipped by the hill tribes.But his success created enemies, not just within the Viet Cong. Like Marlon Brando's character in 'Apocolyse Now', some in the CIA saw Petersen as having gone native. His refusal, when asked, to turn his Tiger Men into assassins as part of the notorious CIA Phoenix Program only strengthened that belief. The CIA strongly resented anyone who stood in their way. Some in the US intelligence were determined Petersen had to go and he was lucky to make it out of the mountains alive. The Tiger Man of Vietnam reveals the compelling true story of little-known Australian war hero Barry Petersen.'One of those great untold stories and Walker tells it with verve and excitement and, with meticulous attention to detail' - Sydney Morning Herald'Drips with adventure and intrigue and has at its centre a personality boys of all ages will identify with' - The Age'Walker's finely researched book goes beyond the biographical account of an Australian war hero' - Sun Herald'Walker's book about Petersen, The Tiger Man Of Vietnam, is well-crafted and racily written' - Weekend Australian
Ned Kelly: A short life
by Ian Jones'the best Kelly biography by a country mile' - The AustralianThe definitive biography of Ned Kelly - and a superb description of his times. A bestseller since it was first published, Ned Kelly: A Short Life is acknowledged as being the definitive biography. Ian Jones combines years of research into all the records of the era and exhaustive interviews with living descendants of those involved, to present a vivid and gripping account of one of Australia's most iconic figures. ‘It will probably stand as the definitive account of Kelly’s life and its meaning…a work of prodigious scholarship, vivid reportage and sharp analysis…the most detailed portrait of the outlaw ever written’ - Rod Moran, West Australian‘the definitive biographical work’ - Dr John McQuilton, author of The Kelly Outbreak
Killer Caldwell: Australia’s Greatest Fighter Pilot (Hachette Military Collection)
by Jeffrey WatsonClive 'Killer' Caldwell was a natural and brilliant pilot, a superb shot, and a born leader. He saw action against the Germans, Italians and Japanese, and remains Australia's greatest ever fighter pilot.Born and brought up in Sydney, it was obvious from an early age that nothing would stand in Caldwell's way. He bluffed his way into the RAAF, then made sure that he was posted to exactly where he thought he should be.His ability was unquestioned by all those around him, and he devised the vital 'shadow shooting' technique which contributed so much to Allied success in the air in the north African campaign, and in northern Australia. But he was never afraid of voicing his opinions to all those above and below him, be it about the training of pilots, or the equipping of Spitfires for use against the Japanese - and for trying to run the show his way...Caldwell ended his military career in the Morotai Mutiny in 1945, where he and a number of other Australian pilots tried to resign their commisions in protest at not being allowed by General MacArthur - and the RAAF - to take part in the main action. And then he was embroiled in the Barry inquiry into booze smuggling by him and other pilots...Killer Caldwell is a colourful portrait of a colourful Australian.
Walking with the ANZACS: The authoritative guide to the Australian battlefields of the Western Front
by Mat McLachlan'[Mat McLachlan's] knowledge of the front is comprehensive' - Sydney Morning HeraldA complete guide to the Australian battlefields of the Western Front 1916-18.Walking with the ANZACs aims to become the new essential companion for Australians visiting the Western Front. Each of the 14 most important Australian battlefields is covered with descriptions of the battles and Australia’s involvement in it.The book presents a well-illustrated walking tour across the old battlefields. The tours are designed along easily accessible walking routes and show readers battlefield landmarks that still exist, memorials to the men who fought there and the cemeteries where many of them still lie. In this way the visitor will see the battlefield in much the same way as the original ANZACs did, and gain a greater appreciation of the site’s significance. Importantly, the tours are not written for military experts, but for ordinary visitors whose military knowledge may be limited.More than just a handy travel guide, Walking with the ANZACs is an absorbing read for armchair travellers and students of the First World War who may not have had the opportunity to visit the battle fields and walk in the footsteps of the first ANZACs.
The Voices of War: Australians tell their stories from World War I to the present
by Michael CaulfieldDrawn from engagements ranging from World War I through to operations in East Timor and Iraq, these stories are taken from the Australians at War Film Archive, a collection of the memories of more than 2000 Australians who have served, both on the front line and at home.Some are unbelievably, unbearably tragic, even after sixty or seventy years; others are the golden memories of happy, albeit unusual, times. And, more often than not, they are stories that have never been shared with others, even family members. There are stories from winners of the Victoria Cross; from the POW camps of Asia and Europe; from the patrols of Vietnam, through to those who served as peacekeepers in Rwanda and Somalia.There are stories from nurses, from those who have volunteered to serve with aid agencies and stories of ordinary Australians caught up by circumstances and by duty, in wartime. These are their words.
The Vietnam Years: From the jungle to the Australian suburbs
by Michael CaulfieldThe Vietnam War was the longest and most divisive war in our history. Almost 60,000 Australians served and more than 500 were killed. At home, thousands protested against the war and conscription and hundreds were sent to jail. THE VIETNAM YEARS is the story of both sides of that war, from the vicious fighting of the jungle patroles and the bravery shown by so many Australians at the famous Battle of Long Tan, to families back home, ripped apart by confusion and anger. From Vung Tau to Nui Dat, from Bankstown to Broadmeadows, this is a book about Australians and for Australians.
Kokoda: 75th Anniversary Edition
by Peter FitzSimons‘an engrossing narrative, beautifully controlled by a master storyteller' Michael McKernan, Sydney Morning Herald The bestselling, acclaimed, authoritative account of one of the most famous battles in Australian military history – now established as a classic. For Australians, Kokoda is the iconic battle of World War II, yet few people know just what happened – and just what our troops achieved. In his bestselling book, Peter FitzSimons tells the Kokoda story in his distinctive gripping style. Conditions on the track were hellish – rain was constant, the terrain close to inhospitable, food and ammunition supplies were practically non-existent and the men constantly battled malaria and dysentery, as well as the Japanese. Kokoda was a defining battle for Australia – a small force of young, ill-equipped Australians engaged a highly experienced and hitherto unstoppable Japanese force on a narrow, precarious jungle track – and defeated them.
Australian Tragic: Gripping tales from the dark side of our history
by Jack MarxA compelling collection of tales from Australia's dark heart - of catastrophe and misfortune, intrigue and passion, betrayal and tragedy.AUSTRALIAN TRAGIC ranges across our past and our present: the heartbreaking story of the fire at Luna Park; the unstoppable opportunist who snatched innocent men and women from Palm Island to be part of P. T. Barnum's 'Greatest Show on Earth'; a world-class boxer who lost his battle with alcohol and ended up in an unmarked American grave; a man who heroically survived a war to find himself crushed and defeated by events much closer to home; and a new story - of an echo from Ned Kelly at Stringybark Creek, in our own time ... Heartbreaking and shocking, gothic and weird, these fascinating stories are all true, and told to remind us of the Australia we don't know, the one that simmers with love and hate, of hopes raised and futures dashed, unheralded and unnoticed . . . until now.
Mailman of the Birdsville Track: The story of Tom Kruse
by Kristin WeidenbachThe truly classic Australian story of Tom Kruse - legendary mailman of the Birdsville Track.For the people who lived in the desert between Marree and Birdsville, contact with the outside world was hard and sporadic - but one man was their lifeline: Tom Kruse. For more than twenty years he was the connection with the outside world for the families, station workers and others who lived along the Birdsville Track.Tom delivered everything from the mail and newspapers to fuel and food - whole communities waited in anticipation for him to drop off their supplies. But it was a hard life, from regularly making running repairs to his truck to unloading and reloading tons of stores so that he could ferry his cargo across flooded creeks. Come sandhills, hell or high water, Tom Kruse kept faith with the locals up and down the Track.Tom was a real Australian hero - and no matter what happened, the mail always got through.'Told with honesty and vigour' - Sydney Morning Herald'A tribute to a man who earned the love of a whole generation of Australians and shows us that the pioneer characteristics of guts and good-natured stoicism are still beautiful' - The Age'Full of characters' - Daily Telegraph
Australia's Worst Disasters
by Malcolm BrownGraphic accounts of Australia’s worst disasters – historical as well as events of recent years.From the Ash Wednesday bushfires of 1983 to the implosion of the Royal Canberra Hospital in 1997, and from the shocking Granville railway crash in 1977 to the Sea King helicopter crash of 2005, Australia's history has been punctuated by incidents of disaster and tragedy that have shocked us all. Sometimes warning signs were not read (or were ignored); sometimes human error was to blame. These graphic and compelling accounts by veteran Sydney Morning Herald journalist Malcolm Brown and other award-winning journalists tell us far more than simply what happened - they provide unique insights into the impact of these events on the lives of innocent people. And, interspersed with stories of death and destruction, are heart-warming accounts of courage, grace and just plain good luck.
The Men Who Came Out of the Ground: A gripping account of Australia's first commando campaign
by Paul Cleary'This account . . . is breathtaking in its scope and riveting in its research' - Sydney Morning HeraldThe gripping story of a small force of Australian Special Forces commandos that launched relentless hit and run raids on far superior Japanese forces in East Timor for most of 1942.These Australians were the men of the 2/2nd Australian Independent Company - a special commando unit. Initially stranded without radio contact to Australia, the Japanese declared these bearded warriors ‘outlaws’ and warned they would be executed immediately if captured. The Australians drawn mainly from the bush, were chosen for their ability to operate independently and survive in hostile territory. As film-maker Damien Parer said after visiting in Timor in late 1942, ‘these men are writing an epic of guerrilla warfare’.Expertly researched by Paul Cleary, who is fluent in Tetum, the main language of the indigenous group of East Timor, it also contains insightful black and white photos.'A cracker of a read' - The Age'Paul Cleary has brought to life one of the great success stories of World War II' - Daily Telegraph
The Changi Brownlow: An Inspirational Story Of The Aussie Spirit (Hachette Military Collec Ser.)
by Roland PerryThis is the moving, powerful and surprising story of a group of Australian POWs who organise an Australian Rules Football competition under the worst conditions imaginable - inside Changi prison.After Singapore falls to the Japanese early in 1942, 70 000 prisoners including 15 000 Australians, are held as POWs at the notorious Changi prison, Singapore. To amuse themselves and fellow inmates, a group of sportsmen led by the indefatigable and popular ‘Chicken’ Smallhorn, created an Australian Football League, complete with tribunal, selection panel, umpires and coaches. The final game of the one and only season was between ‘Victoria’ and the ‘Rest of Australia’, which attracted 10 000 spectators, and a unique Brownlow Medal was awarded in this unlikely setting under the curious gaze of Japanese prison guards.Meet the main characters behind this spectacle: Peter Chitty, the farm hand from Snowy River country with unfathomable physical and mental fortitude, and one of eight in his immediate family who volunteered to fight and serve in WW2; ‘Chicken’ Smallhorn, the Brownlow-medal winning little man with the huge heart; and ‘Weary’ Dunlop, the courageous doctor, who cares for the POWs as they endure malnutrition, disease and often inhuman treatment.Changi Brownlow is a story of courage and the invincibility of the human spirit, and highlights not only the Australian love of sport, but its power to offer consolation in times of extreme hardship.
City of Evil: The shocking real story of Adelaide's strange and violent underbelly - As seen on TV
by Sean FewsterNOW A MAJOR TELEVISION SERIESThey call Adelaide the city of churches. What they forget is that every church has a graveyard - and every graveyard is full of skeletons.Adelaide, an elegantly designed, civilised city, where the inhabitants are known for their love of the arts, good food and fine wine, is also the place where many of Australia's most bizarre and macabre crimes have taken place.The cases in this book show that Adelaide truly does have another side: from the murder of a pro-wrestling truck driver by his two lesbian lodgers during an argument over a camera; to the case of a wronged wife who only wanted to burn the penis of her unfaithful husband, not burn him to death...This book is more than a collection of some of the most attention-grabbing, shocking and puzzling cases from the past ten years: it also looks at why it might be that so many have happened in this sunny, conservative, unassuming state capital.Praise for City of Evil:'Sean Fewster discovers that a dark truth lurks behind Adelaide's murder capital myth' - Adelaide Advertiser'a collection of macabre murders, rapes, torture and robbery, all occurring in Adelaide, the "City of Churches"...sensational and gruesome' - Courier Mail'This book is not for the squeamish, but if you love true crime stories then this is right up there with the best of them' - Toowoomba Chronicle
Gallipoli: The battlefield guide
by Mat McLachlanThe essential travel companion for anyone visiting Gallipoli.Each year, thousands of Australians visit Gallipoli to pay homage and see where their forebears fought, suffered and died. Anzac Cove, Quinn's Post, Lone Pine - the iconic places where our national legend was forged.In this essential and authoritative guide, practical information is combined with historical detail, alongside revealing and often heartrending quotes from the letters and diaries of the Anzacs themselves.- Detailed easy-to-follow plans for walking and driving tours across the main battlefields- Maps, photos and historical commentary to put the campaign in context- Everything you need to know where to go, where to stay and how to get there.Walk where the Anzacs walked, see where they fought and marvel at their courage.