Author(s): Patricia Baird (Original Author); Christine Grayden (Editor, Contribution by); David Maunders (Contribution by, Editor)

History | Local Interest

A social history of Churchill Island

A social history of Churchill Island, Moonar’mia, Western Port, Victoria, Australia. 164 pages.

This completely revised 3rd edition of Patricia Baird’s 2nd editions includes 80 pages of extra information, stories, maps and images throughout the three parts of the book: Part One – Before European Settlement; Part Two – European Occupancy; Part Three – Public Ownership. Each part includes clearly-written historical information derived from many sources, followed by imagined stories of the lives of women who lived on the island at various eras of history. Apart from the oral history records of Patricia and others, the revision authors interviewed additional people who have been associated with the island over the last five decades. Their stories and photographs add to the detailed historical information in the book.

With references throughout, a section of information about the authors and artists, and a comprehensive index, this book is both a pleasure to read and an excellent resource for students and anyone else interested in Victorian local history from the time of first contact between the local Aboriginal people through to the modern era of government ownership, particularly in the Western Port area. The Aboriginal content was reviewed by archaeologist Dr David Tutchener to ensure sensitive material has not been included.

This edition has been revised by two long-term members of the Friends of Churchill Island Society (FOCIS): award-winning community history writer and former Churchill Island curator Christine Grayden, and retired academic in the fields of education, youth and community history and policy, David Maunders. Both have been involved in producing many books, and have years of lived experience of volunteering in various capacities on the island, which is reflected in the loving detail they have added to this edition. The book is published by the Friends of Churchill Island Society as a tribute to original author Patricia Baird and all others who have cared for this special island for thousands of years.