A NEW book by author Sarah Cochrane Ridout is shining fresh light on the long, complex campaign behind Australia’s landmark 1967 referendum – and the friendship at its heart.
Sisters in Arms: Oodgeroo Noonuccal, Kathie Cochrane and the battle for the 1967 referendum explores the political, personal and emotional struggle of the decade-long movement that preceded the historic vote.
The book centres on acclaimed Quandamooka poet, activist and educator Oodgeroo Noonuccal, of North Stradbroke Island, and Kathie Cochrane – Ms Cochrane Ridout’s grandmother, lifelong friend, skin sister and political ally.
“I use the tools of narrative to tell a non-fictional story,” Ms Cochrane Ridout said.
“That way, I can take this history to a bigger audience and make the story less dry and more accessible.”
Kathie Cochrane later wrote Oodgeroo’s biography following the death of Oodgeroo’s son, Vivian Walker, who had begun documenting his mother’s life himself.
Ms Cochrane Ridout said her book was the first to incorporate Vivian Walker’s draft biography material, bringing an important family and historical record into public view.
The work also includes a chart outlining skin linkages within First Nations culture.
Ms Cochrane Ridout said the book was grounded in extensive research, with permissions obtained before publication.
“The language is accurate and it is entirely based on fact,” she said.
Launched at QUAMPI on June 20, the event opened with Oodgeroo’s grandson, Uncle Raymond Walker, welcoming guests to Country.
Ms Cochrane Ridout said the story reached far beyond the eventual referendum result, uncovering “skirmishes, skullduggery and spying” within records held by the National Archives of Australia.
“It has taken 10 years of research and five years to write,” she said.
Sisters in Arms portrays the referendum campaign as a sustained political movement rather than a single triumphant vote.
“I hope in writing the book, it will inspire current generations to work together for an important cause,” Ms Cochrane Ridout said.
Sisters in Arms is available through AndAlso Books.
