Sixty years later, in 2009, Banjo was back at it. This time, he led a walk-off in opposition to the Federal Government’s ‘Intervention’. The event gained attention from the United Nations.
Using original footage, photographs, and voice recordings the site gives viewers remarkable access to what happened, why, and the political repercussions.
In February 2010, documentary filmmaker Lara Damiani read an article in The Age about Banjo Morton.
The article by Lindsay Murdoch, three-time Walkley Award winner, spoke about Banjo’s historical walk off as well as the 2009 walk off.
Intrigued by this story, Lara contacted Banjo’s nephew, Richard Morton. He was also keen for Banjo’s story to be told. A month later, Lara made the trip from Adelaide to Honeymoon Bore and met with Banjo, Richard, Lily (Banjo’s wife) and Angelina (Banjo’s sister). It was the first of many meetings, and soon plans were underway to turn Banjo’s story into a documentary.
In 2011, development funding from SA Film Corporation enabled Lara to visit the Alice Springs Archives. It was there that Lara uncovered the Lake Nash Police Journal and documentation of the 1949 walk off. Through the NT’s leading historian Peter Forrest, Lara discovered that this event was little known. It strengthened her resolve to shine a light on Banjo’s story – a story of courage and justice, and one that mirrors the struggles of so many of Australia’s First Nations people. Between 2011–2017, Lara visited Ampilatwatja to conduct interviews and record footage. During this time, she strengthened her relationships with the Morton family and the Ampilatwatja community. In 2019, under the auspices of the Artists of Ampilatwatja, Lara obtained Federal funding through the Indigenous Languages and Arts Program to complete the project – which had evolved into a multimedia website/online documentary.
This website is intended to be a resource available to schools, universities, community groups, historians and the general public, using Banjo’s story to shine a light on many areas that are often overlooked in Australia’s history. Additionally, Lara hopes this project enhances understanding of Alyawarra history, language and culture and an appreciation for our rich and diverse First Nations people, their language, culture and stories.
 |
 |
 |
| Sarah Martin Interviews Lara Damiani | In the words of Ezekial Morton | Article: February 1949 Walk Off. |
Banjo Morton: excerpt from Interview
A short excerpt from an interview by Lara Damiani. Banjo Morton talking about his early life growing up and his days working as a stockman across SA, NT and Queensland.
SOURCE: Damiani, Lara (2019), posted on Vimeo, https://vimeo.com/304484137
Utopia [1:52:58 mins] (Rated M - only available to senior school students.)
Utopia is a 1 hr 50 min documentary produced in 2013 by veteran Australian journalist, John Pilger. It investigates white Australia’s treatment of its First Nations’ people over 225 years. He focuses on the practices and attitudes of popular media, big business, police forces and governments.
SOURCE: Pilger, John (2013), Utopia, posted on Clickview, https://clickv.ie/w/_r0t
Charlie's Country [1:43:43 mins] (Rated M - only available to senior school students.)
Living in a remote Aboriginal community in the northern part of Australia, Charlie is a warrior past his prime. As the government increases its stranglehold over the community's traditional way of life, Charlie becomes lost between two cultures. His new modern life offers him a way to survive but, ultimately, it is one he has no power over. Charlie’s Country is a 2013 feature film featuring legendary actor David Gulpilil as Charlie, an Aboriginal man struggling to navigate society, especially when he tries to reconnect with the traditional ways of his people.
SOURCE: SBS World Movies (2013), posted on ClickView, https://clickv.ie/w/fs0t
WASLA Teacher Librarian of the Year- 2017: Jo-Anne Urquhart
- 2016: Lise Legg