People of the River : in conversation with Grace Karskens - Has Ended

Dyarubbin, the Hawkesbury-Nepean River, is where the two early Australias - ancient and modern - first collided. People of the River journeys into the lost worlds of the Aboriginal people and the settlers of Dyarubbin, both complex worlds with ancient roots.

The Rotary Club of Gosford City is pleased to present a conversation with Grace Karskens, Emeritus Professor of History at the University of New South Wales and stellar, local historian about her new book, People of the River. Grace is author of The Colony , winner of the 2010 Prime Minister's Non-Fiction Award. Professor John Maynard, a Worimi Aboriginal man from the Port Stephens region of New South Wales, a renowned author and historian at Newcastle University, describes People of the River as "a majestic book. The story of the river, not just its flowing waters, but the ebb and flow of people, both black and white, upon its historical course."

Grace has generously donated her time to create this magical event to raise funds for a wonderful local project 'Boots for Brighter Futures' auspiced by charity Cultural Choice Association Incorporated (CCAI) . The 'Boots For Brighter Futures' initiative was created to raise awareness and to support the prevention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth Suicide and its related causes in Australia.

Connor Watson, a proud Gamilaroi man and 1st Grade NRL player with the Newcastle Knights is the ambassador for Cultural Choice Association Inc. and will join the dinner to speak about his experiences of cultural opportunities and the impact the 'Boots for Brighter Futures' initiative is having on indigenous kids who are at risk. With Connor's help we will also be auctioning 3 pairs of prominent NRL Players boots that have been painted by Aboriginal artists and generously donated for private auction on the night.

Through education and wellbeing programs CCAI aims to provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children the opportunity to believe in a future without limitation and in turn, to raise awareness and help to prevent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth suicide in Australia.

Come along and dine in the beautiful Top Point Cafe to support this beautiful charity and be part of an insightful conversation for all Australians. A two course sumptuous meal is included with full bar facilities and dessert available for purchase.

Tickets are $65 per person or $500 for a table of 8 (plus standard Eventbrite processing fee). All profit from this event will go to support the 'Boots for Brighter Futures' project.

Banner Painting credit: Ms Leanne Watson "Waterholes"

COVID-19 Policy - All patrons are required to register via the Service NSW QR code at the Top Point Cafe. A COVID-19 Safe Hygiene Marshal will be present at this event. If the NSW Government institutes any changes to the current COVID-19 rules which cause this event to be cancelled or postponed all tickets will be refundable (excluding Eventbrite fees) and/or transferrable to the new date.