The Droving Days – capturing Paroo's history
- 18 Nov 2019
Margie Brown’s research into Paroo’s past has informed a distinctly Queensland story for her new book, The Droving Days.
What
The pastoral industry plays a significant role in the history and continuing lifestyle of South West Queensland communities.
A Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grant from Paroo Shire Council supported author Margie Brown to research the rich history of the region’s pastoral industry, its changing management practices after the 1960s, the importance of the stock routes and the growth of its townships.
The project involved recording oral histories with station owners, pastoral workers and business owners in districts including Cunnamulla, Thargomindah, Eulo, Quilpie and Winton.
Visits to the State Library of Queensland in Brisbane helped Margie access public records.
Margie’s research provided an extensive amount of information to inform the narrative of her book.
Margie is the author of Cocky – A Rare Breed, which tells the story of war hero, larrikin and champion racehorse trainer Charles William 'Cocky' Easton.
When and where
July to December 2018, South West Queensland and Brisbane
Key stats
- Engaged over 30 people
- Conducted 10 oral history recordings
- Identified 30 images relating to the pastoral industry
- Identified more than 50 historical images of the Cunnamulla and Eulo townships, community life, its legends and heroes
Investment
$2940 – Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF)
RADF is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Paroo Shire Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland. In 2018-19, Arts Queensland invested $2.08 million in the RADF partnership across 58 councils statewide to support local talent and arts experiences.
Outcomes
- Margie was able to hone her research and recording skills through the oral history interviews conducted during the book’s development.
- Research uncovered new stories and images about the period which will be used in the production of a DVD to accompany her book. This will provide a collection of historical facts about the community, the pastoral industry and the history of droving for future generations.
- An independent book publisher in New South Wales has shown interest in publishing the final book.
Reflections and learnings
Margie commented on some of the challenges she experienced undertaking this type of research:
The lack of a single information source pertaining to the development of the pastoral industry in the Paroo district from the 1860s and in particular post-1960s.
The time involved in securing diverse government, public or private sources of information relating to land management practices, property ownership, rainfall records, droving tracks, markets and changing lifestyles over many years.
Difficulty accessing records from the Mitchell Library in Sydney. Queensland residents are not permitted online access to library records; therefore must present in person to view information.
Tips for others
Personal stories are so important to provide a local perspective.
Research your topic thoroughly as there are always different perspectives to any one story.
Local families provide a rich source of stories and images not available in public records.
Don’t give up; take a break and stay committed.
What next
Margie is in the first draft stage of writing The Droving Days.
Find out more
Paroo Shire Council Regional Arts Development Fund
A pdf version of this case study is available here (199.99 KB).