From Little Things, Big Things Grow

I’m sure you’ve all heard this in the song by Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody. You’re probably singing it in your head now. But how many of us know the story behind the song? A true story. A story which began with a strike on Wave Hill cattle station in the Northern Territory in 1966. The Gurindji stockmen, who were working for little more than rations, sat down for better pay and conditions from their British employer, Vestey’s.

The head stockman, Vincent Lingiari, realised the land they were sitting on was Gurindji land. What started as a pay dispute became a story of the land and the Gurindji people’s resolve to claim back their traditional land. It’s also a story about Reconciliation. It took eight years but the Gurindji people won their land back. In 1975, on 16 August, then Prime Minister Gough Whitlam poured some of the red soil into the hands of Vincent Lingiari, saying…

On this great day, I, Prime Minister of Australia, speak to you on behalf of all Australian people – all those who honour and love this land we live in. For them I want to say to you: I want to acknowledge that we Australians still have much to do to redress the injustice and oppression that has for so long been the lot of Black Australians. Vincent Lingiari, I solemnly hand to you these deeds as proof, in Australian law, that these lands belong to the Gurindji people and I put into your hands part of the earth itself as a sign that this land will be the possession of you and your children forever.

Vincent Lingiari’s reply, when translated, contains the words ‘ceremony’ or ‘ceremonial’ five times. He turned to Whitlam and said, “We be mates now”.

Reconciliation is indeed a journey. The Freedom Rides and the Referendum in the 1960’s, Whitlam and Lingiari in 1975, the Mabo High Court ruling and Keating’s Redfern speech in 1992, The Apology to the Stolen Generations in 2008, all being important happenings along the way. Just as important however, are the steps that we all take on this journey; what is in our hearts and minds.

Our children at St Kevin’s are learning about our history. Years 5 and 6 have been researching and discussing, reflecting and evaluating events in our history. This week we read the children’s book From Little Things Big Things Grow, written by Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody, and illustrated by kids from Gurindji Country. We listened to the song as well.

Our kids will leave St Kevin’s with comprehensive knowledge, understanding and appreciation, along with other children learning in our schools today across Australia. This should give us great hope and encouragement for the future… From little things, big things grow.

As we all walk this Reconciliation journey together, may we always hear the voice and feel the spirit of Vincent Lingiari…. ‘We be mates now’.

Have a wonderful school holiday break. See you next term.

Phil Taylor

Aboriginal Education Teacher