Julie Marcus

A little know story brought to light - Olive Pink was a determined and "difficult" woman, without the advantages of wealth or social position. Despite this, she gained qualifications in anthropology and, from the 1930s onward till her death at age 90 in 1975, made her life's work and eventually her home in Central Australia. She was a thorn in the side of authorities, academics, miners, missionaries and station owners as she relentlessly exposed the exploitation (physical, economic and sexual) and cultural destruction of the Walpiri and Arrernte people of central Australia. For her troubles she was seen at best as an eccentric and at worst a prurient and interfering spinster (her niece had to campaign to have the wording of her commemorative bicentennial tile in Alice Springs changed from "eccentric" to "anthropologist"). This is an important book and it should trouble the conscience of all white Australians over the appalling treatment of our Aboriginal people, as it strips away the pretension that people were unaware of what was happening in our supposedly civilized country within the lifetime of many who are still alive today (the Coniston Massacre was 90 years ago this month). I brought this book six years ago after visiting the Olive Pink Botanic Gardens (she was also a painter and gardener) in Alice, got it out to read during a recent trip on The Ghan, and found it a most uncomfortable but important read.… (plus d'informations)