FOREWORD BY
HIS HONOUR PROFESSOR THE HONOURABLE HUGH HEGGIE AO PSM
ADMINISTRATOR OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
FOR The Ragged Thirteen: Territory Bushrangers
It is always with great anticipation that we await the latest publication of Dr Derek Pugh, one of the Northern Territory’s foremost historians. He has written many fascinating accounts of Northern Territory settlement history and proves he is a careful researcher, deeply engaged in history and he can spin a fine yarn indeed!
As an educator in the Northern Territory, working in many locations, from large urban senior schools to remote homeland centre schools in Central Arnhem Land, as well as in international schools around the globe, it is clear that Dr Pugh brings a passion for knowledge and that you will learn a great deal through each of his works.
It is so important to write about history and Dr Pugh has done a great service in recording Northern Territory's rich tapestry of history and culture. He is preserving memory – the memories and experiences of communities and individuals – and making sure they are not forgotten. And to delve into our history is to learn more about ourselves, the roots of our communities and society plus the past actions that have shaped our present.
Who knew that the Northern Territory had its own bushrangers? While their story has faded in the present, the past has many outback tales of them to tell. It sounds like the Ragged Thirteen came together for company and safety, to survive amidst poverty and possibly to have a very good time. I invite you to read on and decide whether they were loveable larrikins or rascally criminals.
Of course, this is not just a book about a group of 13 men. It is a tale of the land where they lived and roamed plus all the people who lived there: pastoralists, travellers, miners, cattlemen, duffers, diggers and tribal Aboriginal people, from the Territory, Britain, China, Singapore, other parts of Europe and other parts of Australia.
What a rich and complex history we can celebrate as Territorians. My hearty congratulations to Dr Pugh on his magnificent contributions to Territory history, especially in uncovering and telling the stories that no one else has. Now, I invite you, dear reader, to dive into the story of the Ragged Thirteen. You are in for a treat.
HIS HONOUR PROFESSOR THE HONOURABLE HUGH HEGGIE AO PSM
ADMINISTRATOR OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
FOR The Ragged Thirteen: Territory Bushrangers
It is always with great anticipation that we await the latest publication of Dr Derek Pugh, one of the Northern Territory’s foremost historians. He has written many fascinating accounts of Northern Territory settlement history and proves he is a careful researcher, deeply engaged in history and he can spin a fine yarn indeed!
As an educator in the Northern Territory, working in many locations, from large urban senior schools to remote homeland centre schools in Central Arnhem Land, as well as in international schools around the globe, it is clear that Dr Pugh brings a passion for knowledge and that you will learn a great deal through each of his works.
It is so important to write about history and Dr Pugh has done a great service in recording Northern Territory's rich tapestry of history and culture. He is preserving memory – the memories and experiences of communities and individuals – and making sure they are not forgotten. And to delve into our history is to learn more about ourselves, the roots of our communities and society plus the past actions that have shaped our present.
Who knew that the Northern Territory had its own bushrangers? While their story has faded in the present, the past has many outback tales of them to tell. It sounds like the Ragged Thirteen came together for company and safety, to survive amidst poverty and possibly to have a very good time. I invite you to read on and decide whether they were loveable larrikins or rascally criminals.
Of course, this is not just a book about a group of 13 men. It is a tale of the land where they lived and roamed plus all the people who lived there: pastoralists, travellers, miners, cattlemen, duffers, diggers and tribal Aboriginal people, from the Territory, Britain, China, Singapore, other parts of Europe and other parts of Australia.
What a rich and complex history we can celebrate as Territorians. My hearty congratulations to Dr Pugh on his magnificent contributions to Territory history, especially in uncovering and telling the stories that no one else has. Now, I invite you, dear reader, to dive into the story of the Ragged Thirteen. You are in for a treat.