Human Rights - The Church, the Media, Community Populism and Service.

My amazing Mum:  Lilian Jessie Goldsmith.  Sometimes I think she liked to feel she could 'punch above her weight' and sometimes I think that with the benefit of the hindsights that I am privileged to have, she would have certainly adapted her ways - but I have no doubt whatsoever that her intentions were of the very highest standard; her integrity was unquestionable.  

As a poor (ish) immigrant family, she came to Australia from UK in the very early years of the 20th Century when she was a young child.  She used to tell the story of being a curious, somewhat adventurous child who was allowed to walk across the park in Enmore, NSW  to her school when she was very young (5 years old?).  She knew there was another school nearby - so curiosity got the better of her and one day she instead walked to that school.  

It would seem that her family, like my Dad's recognised the value of education and Mum achieved very well at school.  Her strengths seemed to lie in the humanities - where, as a student at the prestigious Fort St Girls High School, she received accolade and award.

But, as was so often the case at the time - the children of poorer families left school in order to work to help the family.  In Mum's case, it was to help so that her brother - who was about 18 months older, could complete his Engineering Degree.  She worked as a Stenographer in the NSW Crown Law Office, and later I think a private law firm - Whitehead (and various partners over the decades following).    

When her time came, she attended night school after work in order to gain her matriculation.  Her interest in the law was piqued and when the opportunity arose to gain articles with Whiteheads, she undertook her studies to gain admission as a solicitor under the Solicitor's Admission Board course - the first female to do so in NSW.  Whilst other females had undertaken studies through Sydney University, these were generally the daughters of wealthy families - and were not distracted by the need to continue full time work at the same time.  

Mum was a committed Anglican, who attended Christ Church, Enmore.  She spoke often of the community involvement around her Church - including leading a group of Girl Guides who met in the hall.  Obviously this background was very integral to her values.  

Once qualified, she worked in the Crown Law Office of NSW for a period in private practice before gaining a position vacated by a male who had gone to WW2.  As such, she became the first female appointed within this office.  But towards the end of the war, the male was returning and she knew he would inevitably return to his position, so she joined the Women's Royal Australian Naval Service.  

Mum was thrifty.  I remember her telling how she had restyled part of her WRANS uniform after the war in order to create her Girl Guide Leader's uniform!  She was a handy seamstress as well!

On reflection, I realise how much this diverse life - including time spent as a lawyer in Goulburn, NSW and a period (just pre-WW2) where she travelled alone to spend time with her Uncle in Brazil gave her experiences where she came into contact with so many different people and influenced her beliefs.  As a qualified lawyer, she wrote on a program she saw in a Brazilian prison aiming to rehabilitate prisoners by training them in work skills and production of fine leatherwork.  

At the same time, she was always proud of the official invitations to meet with 'the elite'.  By today's standards, there were some anomalies within her standards, that I believe to be totally forgivable and probably reflective of the times.  I think I am glad that Mum is not around today to bear witness to much of what is going on in what seems at times to be a very strange world.  

She probably would not support gay marriage;  she would definitely be anti-abortion - though Mum's capacity to surprise by evolving her views was ever present.  And at times I think she was just a little gullible - but then, I was the child!  Sometimes I think back that she may have offered me that long rope so I could find out for myself.  Sadly her amazing mind succumbed to Alzheimer's Disease before I was really able to ascertain how much she really believed!  How I would love to talk to her now - with what I know now, and with all those years gone by.

Thank you Mum, for those values you model are now so integral within my psyche.  I have spent much of my working life amongst those who are marginalised.  Whether by social, ethnic, disability or some other 'difference' they became not only my passion, but also sometimes my Achilles Heel.  The social injustices do eventually take a toll on those faced with it on a regular basis in their work life.  I understand that often this commitment can lead to a superficial unpopularity with some.  The parents of students with behaviour problems are often not so positive in their opinions of the school and its staff - and will often lash out in the only way they know - personal attack.  I learned not to hold this attack with me for too long, though....wow.  I can hear some of mum's favourite sayings - one of which was "Don't let your defence turn into attack unless you have the evidence to back you up."  Before going onto this branch, I will always try to ensure that I have support from a tree trunk.

I also learned to call it so people could consider their future interactions with others before opening their mouth!  I learned to write...this is what a lawyer does!  Sometimes though, my writing may not contain some of the legal restraint as I will venture into the realm of opinion. 

It was interesting to see this evidenced in a book I have just completed reading a book on the Myall Creek Massacre - a topic quite dear to my heart.  I was one of the few teachers whose passion for this important topic in Australian history resulted in my sharing discussions about it with students.  I hope in some small way, there will be students who have memories of this.  Critical was the author's comment towards the end of the book, noting the deeply unpopular nature of the Prosecutor - who went against majority community beliefs at the time in order to bring to trial (and subsequently have found guilty) some of the perpetrators.  He suffered the social consequences.  The combination of legal analysis, politics of the time and Aboriginal History - why would I not be interested!  How some aspects can be related to current events...... I am more willing to be unpopular with some, than to compromise what I believe to be correct.  Though of course my beliefs may well change if you provide me with a good enough reason!  At that time in History, Plunkett had some - like me, who I think he knew supported his actions, but he did follow his path to achieving what he saw as correct.

Mum was proud of her WRANS Service, and most years would attend the Dawn Service in Martin Place.  I often went with her.  I still remember feeling proud some years later when, as a Girl Guide I participated in this event while Mum proudly watched on!  

I was encouraged in civil duty.  Mum liked to be a leader - I prefer participation in collaborative groups.  I didn't even enjoy being a Patrol Leader in Guides!  

Mum's civil duty extended to Aboriginal people.  No doubt she had met some during her time in law, but she expressed this mainly through her Church affiliations. By today's standards - seriously misguided, and I have no doubt there was a fundamental belief that Christianity could offer them civilised lifestyle.  Absolutely frowned upon today.  

But I have no doubts whatsoever about the well-meaning intent.  She was (mis)guided by the community attitudes of the times, but I do think that in this regard she would have definitely evolved her attitudes were she alive today (although she would be 110!).  

As a 5 year old, I remember Mum coming up to the school as we approached Christmas holidays - to collect toys for "....the little black children".  A black doll was suggested for the girls....and I was always so envious of those black dolls that I was not allowed to have because I was white!  Oh, she taught me a tough lesson by having them lying around at home!  Lucky my brother, Henry won what was deemed an appropriate white doll in a raffle.  He named Rosebud and donated her to me.  She became my 'friend' as I grew up.  But every year for a few years, those black dolls came to the house....  I am not sure why it stopped, and I have zero recollection of what was suggested for boys.  I suspect the equally inappropriate gun - probably a pop gun, because Mum wasn't really into the bullets type (though she had a tolerance for caps).  

From this point, I remember assisting Mum in the promotion of the Referendum in 1967.  I handed out flyers both letterboxing before, and on the day.  By then I was nearly 14 and my views were forming.  I'm glad she gave me this opportunity - and I realise that it is a fundamental behaviour rather than a dogmatic one.  I also handed out flyers for the Liberal Party candidates over the years!  I am politically interested, and I have voted for just about every Party (there are exceptions!) but I would proudly suggest, I always give a thoughtful vote that is based on my interpretation of evidence gathered from a range of sources.  I think the lawyer has rubbed off!  I expect my political representatives to have integrity, honesty and also a quest to transparently produce evidence to support their views.  

Mum's interest in the human rights of Aboriginal people extended to a support for a Children's Mission somewhere near Windsor/Baulkham Hills - Marella Mission.  This was very important in our home for a number of years.  Once again, many could now argue correctly that by today's standards this was overwhelmingly wrong.  But we cannot apply those standards to the past.  I think once again, the legal stuff rubbing off!  We cannot apply today's law to events from the past.  It doesn't make what happened right.  Maybe that's why standards, and the law changes.  

Through this association, Mum came to meet various people from the Aboriginal community - including Kath Walker.  I remember Kath coming to the church to talk (by then the pulpit was sufficiently opened up to permit non clergy to give a sermon - but from the floor, I would think.)  The minister at the time, Rev Arthur Williams had worked in remote Australia as a missionary - and likewise I would call him a good man, albeit by today's standards not quite what is expected.  After church, Kath shared lunch with my family in the Sun Room at Cammeray - overlooking the Long Bay reach of Middle Harbour.  I remember a lovely lady.  My impression was positive. 

Shortly later, she relocated to her lands on Stradbroke Island, and commenced using her Aboriginal Name - Oodgeroo Noonuccal.  By then, Mum was older and I was venturing into the wider world.  Both Oodgeroo and Marella left our lives, though I do remember my first son was part of a Marella activity.  Packing clothes for them in boxes I think.  Mum would scour the second hand shops for suitable materials if donations were not adequate.  

I don't recall any particular feeling when Oodgeroo returned to Stradbroke.  It was only some years later when publicity suggested this was spurred by the Church attitudes, that I privately analysed this situation.  Did Mum intend to offend?  Was there ever a time when I recall Kath questioning Mum's motive?  Did she ever appear supplicant? (Definitely not!).  I would always have loved to have a private conversation with Oodgeroo, because I do know that media and publicity often skew the situation.  And I would quite willingly acknowledge that much of what was done by the Churches was ill-informed and misguided.  This does not make people, like my mother, bad people or people to be individually criticised.  After all - Kath was there too!  

I felt some pride when I was able to work as a Tutor in the Oodgeroo Unit at QUT some years later.  I have all the time on earth to assist (but not do for them!) motivated students to achieve a goal that may replicate for them the values modelled by my mother.  Through hard work and education, you can change your life.  Mum did this.  I did this.    I do acknowledge little tolerance for any student who comes along for what I consider a 'free ride' through.  No racial prejudice here - just the desire for individual growth across the ranks!

So, when I attended a cultural training day - and heard what I believed to be some quite unreasonable accusations in relation to Oodgeroo's connections before returning to Straddie, I did feel somewhat upset by those making these statements.  To me they seemed without real basis and quite generalised, whilst also making some extremely unfounded individual insults to the people who had been involved.  Have they learned nothing from the experience of their ancestors?  Happy to acknowledge mistakes were made.  But, let's not get personal without justification!  I felt like questioning.... "Did you ever meet Oodgeroo?" but I knew they didn't.  They were basing on hearsay or some cherry-picked media extracts.  I felt like defending Mum, Rev Williams and so many like them.  The people they were portraying were not the people of my childhood! Nor was it the Kath Walker I knew.  They also never met them in the context that I did.   I felt like screaming out "NO!  You are wrong!"  But I had to refrain!  I have only ever spoken this privately to a select few.  I think Mum would understand her despondency as Oodgeroo aged.  

I do rail against generalisation!  I knew that from that moment, I remained committed to the purpose of the Unit and of course would always be respectful and polite to the administrators, but under that - I felt there was a racial generalisation and intolerance (from them).  Therefore it was not of great surprise to me when some months later, a well publicised event occurred in this unit which ultimately went through the courts and resulted in success for no-one - least of all the lady who brought the action against the University.  In this, I knew I did not want to be involved so I did not apply to renew my contract.  My belief is strongly that politics has absolutely no place in Cultural Education, unless it is to suggest how the politics of the day reflects practises or behaviours at the time, and is presented on well founded evidence rather than table-talk generalisation and personalised insult!

Thank you so much Mum (and Dad - who was always there in support).  You taught me to think, analyse, form an opinion, adjust opinion based on further evidence and keep cycling through this!  It can sometimes lead to an overactive brain, but I really do appreciate the skill you taught me! I rarely take things at face-value.  Below this is so, so much depth in the detail.  Where you prayed, I now meditate to calm this active mind.  My favourite meditation space is within the natural environment of my home country.  I understand the value 'place' has for all humans.

Thus, my passion goes to all those who are displaced by events outside of their control.  My passion extends to the victims of conflict, the civilians in wars, those being displaced by a changing climate.....  How important to the human being is their feeling of belonging to a place?!  And for me, this does not have to be the place of my birth - but can be any place where I feel connection.  For those displaced, I want to ensure that they can feel this connection again - and maybe some day, like Oodgeroo - return to their place of origin - taking with them the experiences and wisdom of a lifetime.  I hope that these experiences will not be overshadowed by the populous attitudes so often expressed, and the actions of our governments who will stand accountable for future times - just as has so often happened through history.

Grandma Craft

I have somewhere a researched geneology of Mary Eleanor Craft, but to me she was just Grandma Craft - or, as my mother always called her 'The Littlun'. Yes, she was small in stature (less than the benchmark 5ft I think) but I think only balanced by the strength of her character. My only memories of her are of an old lady (she would have been in her mid 70s when my memories commence). She was the only grandparent alive when I was born. Although my memories are not that fond (I did get into trouble for climbing the apple tree in her backyard and picking an apple when I was quite young and the experience left me forever cautious), there are little snippets in there that I do remember with fondness. Of course as an adult I can reflect on her life with far greater admiration and understanding. Grandma Craft lived and bore her 4 boys at Leura, in the Blue Mountains. The boys were adventurous - loving the Australian bush and the outdoor environment. My father, Clive recounted many a trek through the mountains with his brothers. His oldest brother, Frank became a Geographer and this was also Clive's major area of study at Sydney University. Both subsequently became teachers. At some early stage in Clive's life, his father was hospitalised in Sydney leaving Mary to find a source of support for her family in the days before significant welfare and pensions. His father died when Clive was just a pre-schooler. Mary was left to find an income from performing domestic duties and mending for other people. Mary moved with her brood to Ashbury - perhaps to have greater support around her. This was the home that I knew as 'the old home' - where Clive went regularly every Tuesday night for dinner with his mother and when around his brothers. Second youngest brother, Dudley was usually present because he remained living with his mother - having never married. We went as a family on fairly rare occasions, though I do recall some school holiday visits with my mother. I do not recall many visits by Grandma Craft to our house, until her final years where she stayed with us to convalesce on occasions and for some weeks/months? just prior to entering a nursing home. I remember a rather dark, 'old' home at Ashbury - but a large back garden which called for adventure - from which I was essentially barred. I think Grandma Craft felt it more appropriate for girls to cook or sew than to climb trees. I was allowed to play in the small front garden and on occasions ride my roller-skates down the paths in front of her home. Without doubt, my most amazing memory is of the one or two Christmas lunches we had at her place. As tea-totallers and Rechabites, there would have been no brandy or rum on those amazing plum puddings but there were 3d and 6d! I don't recall the taste, but I do recall the money. I don't recall if we were allwoed to keep all our treasure, but I am suspecting now it was probably one coin in each slice inserted secretly upon serving. For me, it held as much (maybe more) magic than the tooth fairy. To this day I regularly make plum puddings (using rum) but no coins. I always think of Grandma Craft at Christmas time..... Although the life of a widow with 4 children was quite impoverished, she ensured that her boys felt wealthy in other ways. Clive was always incredibly frugal - in every way I can think of. Who else measures a cup of water to boil for a cup of tea? I think this came from his upbringing. She recognised the value of education to their future, with Frank, Ted and Clive all gaining entry to the selective Fort St Boys High School. Whilst I think there was some pressure to achieve, the boys were also encouraged to be good citizens with regular involvement in their local Church. Additionally they rode their pushbikes on huge adventures through both the suburbs and also back to their beloved Blue Mountains. Many photographs were taken on these adventures and processed at home. I have a memory of this happening in the kitchen - with lights out. Clive was an avid reader - especially of the Australian classics. I am not sure if his brothers received the musical encouragement that Clive received or whether tuition was as a response to an interest/passion that became life-long. Clive loved his violin and for some time in his youth took lessons at the Conservatorium of Music in Sydney. I think the boys were all encouraged to pursue any scholarship that may become available, and this was probably how the lessons were provided. Mary was proud of her boys and I recall her as a little old lady being picked up and taken to see an orchestra concert in which Clive was performing. Other memories are hazy, but pride stands out. Mary - you were not my cuddly, snuggly grandma. I don't recall actually having much of a relationship with you but I do admire your persistence. I admire your ability to overcome the challenges life put up for you. I respect your tenacity in ensuring your boys were to receive every benefit they earned - in fact your tenacity in making sure they strove at every moment to earn benefit for themselves.

Why?

So many interesting stories to tell about the people who have been a part of my life. As with any oral history - it is recollections and memories, recounts of stories told to me. Are they accurate? I will endeavour not to change or embelish by memories.