A Frank Appraisal

  ​My son Chris grew up in Bourke and gained radio skills through community station 2WEB. His HSC video major work at Dubbo South High earned a place in Art Express, so it was natural that these talents became the basis for a career in television. Eventually, his feel for the bush and interest in communicating Aboriginal stories fitted well with his role as a producer for NITV.
 
I was delighted when he presented me with his painting of Aboriginal civil rights leader Bill Ferguson for my birthday. It’s such a great Australian story, but little known. When I showed it to our friend, Wiradjuri elder Riverbank Frank Doolan, he immediately identified with it because he had worked long and hard to have Bill’s role as a pioneer activist recognised in Dubbo and beyond. Here is Frank’s response to what he saw in the painting.     WATCH as Frank  explains why he  was excited about  Chris' painting.

Frank is glad to see his uncle and hero recognised for his efforts.

Frank and Paul near Bill Ferguson's statue in Dubbo.

First civil rights protest on Australia Day 1938.