<p>In 1964, a group of 20 Aboriginal women and children in the Western Desert made their first contact with European Australians  patrol officers from the Woomera Rocket Range, clearing an area into which rockets were to be fired. They had been pursued by the patrol officers for several weeks, running from this frightening new force in the desert.<br>Yuwali, 17 at the time, remembers every detail of the drama  first seeing these devils’ and their rocks that moved’, escaping the strange intruders. Her sharp recollections are complemented in a 3-part diary of the chase’ by the colourful official reports of the patrol. These reflect a similar drama  arguments within Government about the treatment of desert inhabitants and public scepticism about the Government’s intent. Line-drawn maps and black &amp; white illustrations complement the text.<br>Yuwali’s story also resonates in today’s debate about the future of many Indigenous desert communities. Cleared Out combines three oral histories, detailed archival research and a wealth of photographs and rare film footage from the patrol. Through one extraordinary episode, the multiple perspectives on the moment of contact are revealed.</p>

Cleared Out: First Contact in the Western Desert

History

Johnston, Peter

Davenport, Sue

Yuwali

Australia & Oceania

Aboriginal Studies Press

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Books by Davenport, Sue

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Davenport, Sue. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Cleared Out: First Contact in the Western Desert