The island continent of Australia is a long way from anywhere which is why it was colonised by the British in the first place. Finding peaceful co-existence for both the migrants and the residents is ongoing even after over 200 years of the situation being forced upon all parties.
When the British decided their gaols were too overcrowded, primarily with petty thieves, they found a new way to dispose of the problem by sending them to a large island continent on the other side of the world that a few explorers had bumped into while confirming the shape of the earth.
Eleven ships sailed into what is now called Sydney Harbour on January 26 1788 and the convicts were put to work building a town for the administrators. The original inhabitants weren’t too pleased about the gate crashers but Governor Phillip was determined to make it happen formally proclaiming the colony on February 7.
It was a bit of a catch 22 situation in that the convicts had to make it work or starve because even if they could, it was a long trip back to the olde country where they weren’t wanted anyway. So they were forced to stay and endure the wrath of the original inhabitants who also didn’t want them here.
In order to survive the new settlers had to learn how to live off the land with virtually no experience of farming and agriculture. Most of their efforts failed but somehow they managed to survive the first four years and a lot of that due to learning from the people whose land they had taken over.
Most of those who were sent to Australia to atone their sins had no desire to be here and those who already lived here didn’t want them here either. However I was born and bred here so this is my home and after travelling to other parts of the world all I want is peace and happiness, the opportunity to continue to fight to make Australia a better place for all residents no matter from where they originate.
Like many lands, Australia is a multi-cultural society and we are able to enjoy food from a vast array of cultures but unfortunately until recent times our very own naturally occurring foods have been overlooked. Although much of this continent looks barren and infertile, there is an abundance of food and my aim is to bring the food to our attention and to our tables.
Bush Tucker Recipes at the Aussie table 