Tour guide

Our guide explained the construction and use of the telegraph station and then went on to explain its function from 1932 – 1942.

The Bungalow

The telegraph station was converted for use as a place to education “Half-Caste” children – children who were of mixed race: aborigine and white. (1932 – 1942)

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These children were removed from their aboriginal mothers and institutionalized in an attempt to educate them away from their traditional ways.

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This practice was extremely cruel to these families. An excellent documentary movie is “Rabbit Proof Fence”. . . .

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Our tour guide’s mother was one of these children and was pictured in some of the displays inside one of the building at the telegraph station site.

Having this explanation of the history of this location was very moving to use who were familiar with this history.

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Information on the Movie: Rabbit Proof Fence is given here:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0252444/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbit-Proof_Fence_(film)

It is highly recommended that you rent it if you are interested.

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If you're interested in how the government is apologizing for the previous policy, here are speaches given in Feburary by the leaders of the 2 parties:

http://www.aph.gov.au/house/Rudd_Speech.pdf

http://www.aph.gov.au/house/Nelson_speech.pdf

ANZAC Hill

Alice Springs has its own ANZAC memorial located on a hill on the North edge of the city.

Australian National Flag

Not surprising that the memorial has a Australian Flag, but it also has a Northern Territory flag -- see next post:

Northern Territory Flag

View from ANZAC Hill

The view of the small city of Alice Springs (population about 27,000) is great. The surrounding countryside reminds me of Palm Springs, California – although Palm Springs is a much larger community. . The small size of Alice Springs feels much more comfortable. . The atmosphere is much more laid-back and the traffic is much less burdensome.

May 16 - 18: , trip with The Rock Tour grou

We had a great 3 day adventure with The Rock Tour people: guides Dom and Craig.

They are highly recommended !

Here is where to contact them: http://www.therocktour.com.au/

May 16 thur May 18 we visited:
King's Canyon
Kata Tjuta (Oglas)
Uluru (Ayer's Rock)

But, to repeat: Dom and Craig are great tour guides. Request their help at The Rock Tour if you plan to make a visit to central Australia.