Author(s): Johns, Eve

History

Camoola promises to be a worthy contribution to the process of reconciliation in this country. The Adventures of Camoola the Young Warrior of the Wathaurongs' by Eve Johns is about the arrival of the first white people in Victoria.It tells the story from the viewpoint of a young aboriginal boy and follows his encounter and friendship with William Buckley, the historically famous escaped convict. It is a descriptive and interesting tale of the Wathaurong people and the white man that had Buckley's Chance of survival without their assistance and protection. The Wathaurongs lived in the Geelong region in Victoria for more than 25,000 years before white settlers arrived.The cultures of different races have often been described much more effectively and have been much more widely read in stories rather than in history books. Despite being classified as fiction, Hiawatha, Kim, Heidi and Robin Hood were popular stories that were entertaining and enjoyable whilst informing the readers of the lifestyle and way of thinking of their peoples. Australia lacks such stories. Perhaps Camoola' will help fill that gap.
It has the potential to be a meaningful contributor to the process of reconciliation in Australia over time, given that schoolchildren all over Australia are its' target audience.