|
An empty grave stands on a grassy clearing above the beach at Bicheno on the east coast of Tasmania. It is a rare monument to an Indigenous woman that was funded and erected by white settlers in the mid 1800s.
The grave site overlooks Waubs Bay and Waubs Harbour, both named after Wauba Debar. She was one of many women and girls kidnapped by white sealers to be used for sex and their swimming and hunting skills. Wauba Debar went on to rescue two sealers, one of them her husband-captor, when their ship was wrecked a kilometre offshore during a storm.
In their contribution to our Hidden Women of History series, Megan Stronach and Daryl Adair from the University of Technology Sydney tell Wauba Debar’s heartbreaking story. In doing so, they shed light on the stories of other palawa women of the time who were exceptional swimmers and suffered extreme hardships.
|
Though her brave acts were acknowledged after her death, Wauba Debar’s grave was later robbed in the name of “science”.
Tirin/Wikimedia
Megan Stronach, University of Technology Sydney; Daryl Adair, University of Technology Sydney
A grave stands in Bicheno, paid for by locals in the 1800s. It stands as a testament to the lifesaving ocean feats and tragic life of Indigenous woman Wauba Debar.
|
In Australia, public swimming pools are significant community assets. But for some groups - like solo parents - access can be limited.
Shutterstock
Michelle O'Shea, Western Sydney University; Megan Stronach, University of Technology Sydney
Active supervision of children at public pools is crucial. But with a few creative policy interventions, we can make it easier for solo parents to visit the pool with kids in tow.
|
There’s no way to cure a hangover, even with ‘hair of the dog’.
Louis Hansel
Nicole Lee, Curtin University; Brigid Clancy, University of Newcastle
Most of us wake up with a hangover after a big night. But some people also wake up with awful anxiety ('hangxiety') and can't remember much of the night before because of memory blackouts. Here's why.
|
Australians mostly want dogs that are affectionate, obedient and safe around families.
bivoir/Flickr
Jessica Dawson, La Trobe University; Pauleen Bennett, La Trobe University; Paul McGreevy, University of Sydney
Beloved family pets have all the qualities we need in the next generation of puppies, so maybe you shouldn't rush to desex them all right away.
|
Education
|
-
Florence Monique Boulard, James Cook University
Your children can have a rich experience, seeing different parts of the world and understanding other cultures. And there are several things you can do to support their learning.
|
|
