This is a historical novel based on the decades long friendship of Oodgeroo Noonuccal (then known as Kath Walker) and Kathie Cochrane, and their work together during the campaign for the 1967 Referendum.
Their struggle was part of the wider movement to improve the lives and rights of Australia’s First Nations peoples. The political aspects of their collaboration drew attention from government security agencies, and the book includes actual ASIO surveillance files.
Oodgeroo asked her friend Kathie to write her biography, which was published in 1994. The author Sarah Cochrane-Ridout is Kathie Cochrane’s granddaughter. Sarah worked with members of Oodgeroo’s family to ensure the story was properly told with respect for cultural sensitivities.
