State Library's 2020 John Oxley Library Fellows, Kerrie Foxwell-Norton and Deb Anderson are researching women of the Great Barrier Reef.

During a meeting between iconic marine scientist, Terrie Ridgway and Alison Rickert, Alison brings along photos to share with Terrie, as reminders of their lives and where they were more than half a century ago. These are memories of their lives as young women in the southern islands of the Great Barrier Reef, their paths nearly crossing then and wonderfully crossing now.  Alison also brings a sound recording of the mutton birds on Heron Island, which she plays for Terrie.

The look of recognition on Terrie’s face when she hears that sound is a memory drawn from deep down. To the surface it brings that young powerful woman in her 20s, living her dream life, learning, exploring and certain of her path. 

And so on this day, with Alison and Terrie, regaling stories of these mutton birds, of people they have known, of islands and sites they had seen, of Reef waters and their encounters with the animals there. It is pure joy as they share memories of their experiences on the Reef.

Learn more about Kerrie and Deb's fellowship research project in their blog: https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/memories-and-mutton-birds-women-great-barrier-reef

mutton birds on Heron Island

From Australia’s first female company director to the woman-led mill that produced a family dynasty and revolutionised baking with pre-mix recipes, to the mum of four becoming an international cake mogul - we look at how three women of Queensland have shaped and been shaped by cakes.  

Featuring: 

Kate Atkinson (nee Maclurcan) - great-granddaughter of Hannah Maclurcan, author of Mrs Maclurcan's Cookery Book: A Collection of Practical Recipes, Specifically Suitable for Australia (Townsville, 1898) and company director of the Wentworth Hotel, reflects on her life.  

Ellen Morosini (nee O’Brien) - great-granddaughter of Ellen O’Brien, founder of Defiance Mill in Toowoomba, talks about how a widowed mother of ten ran the mill and created a dynasty. 

Cassie Watene - Founder of Cas Cakery talks about starting an internationally successful business from Emerald, in regional Queensland.

Check out Kaitlyn’s sad version of a heart-shaped cake, versus Cas’ beautiful one and her classes

A Woman’s Place is in the Boardroom

Doing a lot with a little - how the people of Cherbourg fell in love with fried scones and damper, despite the harsh memories of living off rations. We find strength and pride in the community and family through shared food.  

We meet some of the Aunties of the Many Threads sewing group (Shirley, Daisy, Janelle, Colleen) in the Domestic science building to learn about growing up in Cherbourg and how to make and eat fried scones and damper. 

We follow Bronwyn on a tour of the boy's dormitory, learning about the realities for the people who were brought to the Cherbourg mission and how they were able to take back the mission and persevere.  

We sit down with the Aunties for group lunch where they share personal stories of the realities and hardships they and their families have faced.

Fried Scones at the Ration Shed

Cake isn’t just fun and sprinkles; cake makes a difference. It's a light in dark times bringing people together when they need it most.  

We speak to: 

Liz Harfull - author of Tried, Tested and True, who researched over 1000 community cookbooks used for fundraising. Her book includes the very tasty Bert Hinkler recipe from the Bundaberg CWA cookbook.  

Alison Alexander, co-author of A Generous Helping: Treasured Recipes from the People of Queensland - made in conjunction with the ABC, to share precious recipes after people lost everything in the 2011 floods.  

Pearly Sprinkles - neurodivergent baker featured on Zumbo’s Just Desserts, who runs ‘mindful baking’ classes with children. If you’re struggling with your mental health, there’s always someone you can talk to at Beyond Blue, for eating disorder issues check out the Butterfly Foundation.

Baking A Difference

Through memory, tradition and celebration - cake can help you find home, no matter where you are. In this episode we speak to:  

Aunty Dale from My Dilly Bag shares how First Nations people have made cakes for thousands of years. 

Dimitria Athanasas and her daughter Sia share the meaning behind Koliva - an ancient traditional Greek funeral cake - after Dimitra made it for the Greek Orthodox Church in West End for 12 years.  

We learn how to make a Puerto Rican staple from Frank’s mum Jackie, and the only other Puerto Rican we could find in Australia - Will Sanchez aka Chef from The Hood.

Culture Through Cake

Queensland may be at the bottom of the world, but our cake skills span the globe. 

At the International Cake Show we meet the car-sized cake maker Daniel Greensill - it took him 6 months working out of his garage.  

Zumbo’s Just Desserts - internationally famous cake maker Adriano Zumbo speaks to us from his Noosaville kitchen, and talks about rebuilding after his company collapsed.  

By Aletoso - Camilo Murcia — one of the world’s top ten travelling cake makers (based in Brisbane) teaches us some tips and tricks to icing the perfect cake.

QLD on the World Stage

Discover more about the Colonial Secretary project as ABC Radio’s Kelly Higgins-Divine speaks to slq Director Content Management, Margaret Warren about the importance of this collection and preserving it digitally.
2 July 2024

mutton birds on Heron Island

State Library of Queensland

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