Hachette Australia
Imprint: Lothian Books
March 2025
9780734423351 | RRP $24.99
I’m old enough to have walked on Bennelong Point before the Opera House was built, and then walk around the construction site as the sails rose ever higher [not much WHS in those days, no fencing around the site!] picking up bits of broken white tile. Watching the opening gala with HM the Queen presiding was the first thing we watched on our brand new colour TV.
To read this superb hidden history of the site of one of the world’s most iconic buildings is a revelatory experience for readers of all ages. There are many people who would not have a clue about what has gone before on this particular site, both the First Nations history along with the colonial actions and buildings. But given the undeniable and justifiable pride that Australians have in this extraordinary building, it also behoves us to both acknowledge and respect the long history of the Gadi people and this site which was always special.
Tubowgule means, in the Dharug language, ‘where the knowledge waters meet’ and was ever a place of importance for gatherings, with song, dance, stories and cultural practices, as well as a place rich in resources. When the white people took this, and every other area over, there was for a time still room for the Gadu to meet here but that did not last for long. Even Banalung (ersatz ‘friend’ of Governor Phillip aka Bennelong) was not welcome here for long, as his little brick home was demolished after only a few years.
At least we can be happy now that far more First Nations events and entertainments of importance are once again being staged on this historic spot, often with a global spotlight upon them. Melissa-Jane Fogarty’s text is wonderfully constructed in a narrative non-fiction that makes for easy understanding. The various call-outs – check the symbols on each! – add to this. And honestly, Dylan Finney’s illustrations are just impressive [prediction right there for next year’s awards listings!]. This is a more sophisticated book that is best suited to older kiddos, say year 3 upwards. Also, as a companion text you might look at Jørn’s Magnificent Imagination. It’s a definite 5 ❤️❤️💛🖤🖤 rating from me, and I deem this a mandatory acquistion for your collections and units of inquiry. There are teaching notes to support, to an extent, and here are some useful Dharug resources for further exploration:
Dharug Country: Presences, Places & People
Always was, always will be.
Just So Stories 
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