Reviews

“Crossing Cultures has moved me. Barbara's foolhardy courage in going to communities which are so different; the kindness of strangers; the tough, intelligent survival of the Aboriginal people who deal with the whim of white Australian management; the engaging characters who populate outback towns and communities. It’s all there. Crossing Cultures challenges our own insights into our attitudes and opinions about Aboriginal Australia. Thanks for writing and publishing these stories. They are a window into scenes that are usually hidden.”

— Jan Aitken, Montmorency, Victoria

“Crossing Cultures in an honest and fascinating account from a strong, resilient and adventurous woman who survived and thrived living in a harsh outback environment. Barbara worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between indigenous and ‘white’ people and to promote equality between them. Congratulations Barb, on writing such an interesting read!

— Lynne Vasiliadis, Eltham Victoria

“Drawn to the people of outback Australia, the open spaces and vivid colours, Barbara sought work with three different Aboriginal communities in remote Australia. In each of these locations her warm personality, tenacity and resourcefulness helped her to overcome many hurdles as she learnt on the job and supported community development.

Crossing Cultures is wonderfully written. It tells of a roller coaster of experiences for Barbara and for the Aboriginal communities that she worked with. From the despair of good intentions gone wrong and withdrawn funding, to heart-warming successes when a community is given the resources to lead. From the lows of embedded and disturbing racism to the building of positive and meaningful relationships. For the outsider it introduces different cultural perspectives between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities with lessons on how Australian might bridge the gap. Crossing Cultures also provides insight into the treatment and displacement of Australia’s first inhabitants in the regions of these three communities and how the communities evolved. What a journey and what a great read.”

— Sue Bowles, Research, Victoria