61. Benevolence

Preston Peachey reflects on the book Benevolence with author Julie Janson. Julie’s intensely visual prose interweaves historical events with fictionalised characterisation in a story that shatters European stereotypes about life on the colonial frontier. Julie gives voice to an Aboriginal experience of early-settlement. Benevolence is a story about this important era in Australia’s history from an Aboriginal perspective. Told through the fictional characterisation of Darug woman Muraging (Mary James), Benevolence is a compelling story of first contact. Born around 1813, Muraging is among the earliest Darug generations to experience the impact of British colonisation – a time of cataclysmic change and violence, but also remarkable survival and resistance. At an early age Muraging is given over to the Parramatta Native School by her Darug father. Fleeing the school in pursuit of love, she embarks on a journey of discovery and a search for a safe place to make her home. Spanning the years 1816–35, Benevolence is set around the Dyarubbin/Hawkesbury River area, the home of the Darug people, in Parramatta and Sydney. Join us for a series of fascinating conversations about some of the most interesting books about cities and urban life. Author Julie’s career as a playwright began when she wrote and directed plays in remote Australian Northern Territory Aboriginal communities. She is now a novelist and award-winning poet. Julie is a Burruberongal woman of Darug Aboriginal Nation. She is co-recipient of the Oodgeroo Noonuccal Poetry Prize, 2016 and winner of the Judith Wright Poetry Prize, 2019. Host Fenella Kernebone, Head of Programming, Sydney Ideas at the University of Sydney Interviewed by Preston Peachey, a Wiradjuri and Malyangapa man. Preston is a creative living on Bediagal Country and works for local government on Gadigal Country.