Australia is one of the most diverse cultural countries in the world. We can easily learn about other cultures, enjoy international cuisines and celebrate our diversity without leaving our shores, without the long haul flight. We’re pretty lucky!
When the British decided their gaols were too overcrowded, primarily with petty thieves, they found a new way to dispose of the problem by sending them to a large island continent on the other side of the world that a few explorers had bumped into while confirming the shape of the earth.
Eleven ships sailed into what is now called Sydney Harbour on January 26 1788 and the convicts were put to work building a town for the administrators. The original inhabitants weren’t too pleased about the gate crashers but Governor Phillip was determined to make it happen formally proclaiming the colony on February 7.
It was a bit of a catch 22 situation in that the convicts had to make it work or starve because even if they could, it was a long trip back to the olde country where they weren’t wanted anyway. So they were forced to stay and endure the wrath of the original inhabitants who also didn’t want them here.
In order to survive the new settlers had to learn how to live off the land with virtually no experience of farming and agriculture. Most of their efforts failed but somehow they managed to survive the first four years and a lot of that due to learning from the people whose land they had taken over.
The Outback Magazine celebrates every day hard working Aussies. The stories are about real people and real situations with fabulous photography. The collection featured here are my private collection. There is only one of each.