Timothy Bottoms small book entitled Djabugay Country has already given one small part of this region a serious historical account of itself.
Dr Bottoms book about Kuranda's rainforest people, the invasion of their land and subsequent settler history was published ten years ago by Allen and Unwin. It is controversial. Doubtless it has flaws, as any trail-blazing work must. Yet it has given the Kuranda community something substantial to start with when considering our past. At least we have a basis for debate and further research.
The Cairns region as a whole still awaits the senior partner of that book. Dr Bottoms wrote it several years ago. I've been privileged to a preview. It's a compelling and awe inspiring major work.
Tim Bottoms A History of Cairns has been praised by leading Australians such as Professor Henry Reynolds and Noel Pearson. For a small additional investment, the book can be published for all to read.
I believe the new Cairns Regional Council should end the Byrne Council's penny pinching and re-fund this important book to bring it to the bookshops.
If elected to the Tablelands Regional Council, I'll support a modest contribution from that body too.
Tim Bottom's history is for all FNQ.
For more information contact Syd Walker on 07 4093 8384 pr 0422 470 300