"This shows my great grandmother, Melbin, during the time of the federation act by the King and the 1905 Act for the Protection of Aborigines. Her life was changed by these words.
My great-great grandmother, Melbin died sometime between 1901-1910. She was buried on Coodingow Station. I wanted to begin this series with her because she died a free woman but had lost her land, her family and her daughter (my great grandmother, Mary) to white men.
It is important to remember that oral history is as important as a written history. Melbin's story is about struggle and survival to her descendents. The painting represents the beginning of an oral history passed down from her to her descendents. We all gain strength from her story from generation to generation.
"The Australian constitution did not include Aboriginal people [who] were not consulted when Australia was declared a federation. This year is the 100 years since that first declaration."
Julie Dowling
