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'It looked bleak and predictable for little Keelen Mailman: an alcoholic mother, absent father, the horrors of regular sexual and physical assault and the casual racism of a small outback town in the sixties. But somehow, despite the pain and deprivation, the lost education, she managed to absorb her mother's lessons: her Bidjara language and culture, her obligations to Country, and her loyalty to her family.
'So it was no surprise to some that a girl who could hide for a year in her own home to keep her family together, run as fast as Raylene Boyle and catch porcupine and goanna, would one day make history. At just 30, and a single mother, Keelen became the first Aboriginal woman to run a commercial cattle station when she took over Mt Tabor, two hours from Augathella on the black soil plains of western Queensland. This is the heartland of Bidjara country, after all, the place her mother and grandparents and great-grandparents had camped on and cared for, and where their ancestors left their marks on caves and rock walls more than 10,000 years ago.
'In this unflinching memoir, the warmth of Keelen's personality, her determination and her irresistible humour shine through as she recalls her extraordinary life. ' (Publication summary)
Notes
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Dedication:
For my beautiful mother who not only gave me the greatest gift of all, life, ut who handed down my culture and language.
For my sister, Dom, for the beautiful memories I cherish every day. I will love and miss you always and forever sister, Bones.
For my brothers and sisters who have blessed my heart in so many ways.
And most of all, for my children and grandchildren, you are the most precious thing in my life.
Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of
Other Formats
- Large print.
Works about this Work
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Book of the Day : Deborah Mailman
2015
single work
column
— Appears in: The Sydney Morning Herald , 9 January 2015; (p. 20) -
Story of a True Survivor
2014
single work
biography
review
— Appears in: Koori Mail , 4 June no. 577 2014; (p. 21)
— Review of The Power of Bones 2014 single work autobiography'Bidjara woman Keelen Mailman has been through some tough times - but she's strong and a survivor and has always thrived on finding a way to do the things she was told she couldn't...'
-
Force of Nature
2014
single work
column
— Appears in: The Weekend Australian Magazine , 19-20 April 2014; (p. 18-24) 'Violence, racism, early motherhood...Keelen Mailman's life was following a predictable path - until her fighting spirit took over and a mighty cattle station beckoned her home.'
-
Story of a True Survivor
2014
single work
biography
review
— Appears in: Koori Mail , 4 June no. 577 2014; (p. 21)
— Review of The Power of Bones 2014 single work autobiography'Bidjara woman Keelen Mailman has been through some tough times - but she's strong and a survivor and has always thrived on finding a way to do the things she was told she couldn't...'
-
Force of Nature
2014
single work
column
— Appears in: The Weekend Australian Magazine , 19-20 April 2014; (p. 18-24) 'Violence, racism, early motherhood...Keelen Mailman's life was following a predictable path - until her fighting spirit took over and a mighty cattle station beckoned her home.' -
Book of the Day : Deborah Mailman
2015
single work
column
— Appears in: The Sydney Morning Herald , 9 January 2015; (p. 20)
Awards
- Augathella, Augathella - Tambo - Blackall area, South West Queensland, Queensland,