Reviewed by Wendy Lipke
Going by the title and jacket on this hard covered book it is obvious that this is a story about a First Nations person. It is now twenty-five years since the original edition of this book was published and the fella in question is now 87 years old. This is the memoir of John Moriarty. So, who is this fella and what did he do that would fill a whole book? It turns out that this fella has contributed much which has changed Australian society to enhance Aboriginal equality, reconciliation and cultural engagement.
John Moriarty, the author of the book, was part of The Stolen Generation, being taken from his mother at the age of four because his father was Irish. He was shifted to several homes throughout Australia while his aboriginality was being overlaid by white Australian culture. He went on to be the first Aboriginal man to be selected to play for Australia in soccer, although he needed permission from the Protector of Aborigines to travel.
While staying at St. Francis House in Adelaide, he found himself in the company of several other Aboriginal boys who would go on to play an important role in Aboriginal Affairs, such as Vince Copley and Charles Perkins. In later life he also worked closely with people like Kath Walker.
In his adult life he did much work with government Aboriginal organisations trying to better the life of his mob. However, he realised that regardless of what group was involved it all came down to self-determination and accountability (157). John Moriarty was not a follower of people. He had his own ideas and principles but still admired many who became valuable role models.
Eventually, with his second wife, he would go on to establish a business which resulted in his receiving the Order of Australia, a UNESCO Achievement Award and the Advance Australia Award for service to Industry and Commerce.
This Saltwater Fella has had a very interesting life and achieved much while spending his life trying to make it better for others.
The book is beautifully presented on bright white paper. There are eleven chapters which follow his life after being separated from his mother. He tells of getting an apprenticeship then later going to university, where he was the first Aborigine in South Australia to attend. This led to jobs with various government agencies until he established his own business in promoting Aboriginal art and designs. He also describes some of his emotional ups and down during this time when he was trying to reconnect with his heritage.
There is a block of photographs to support the text in the middle of the book and at the end, before the Index, are thirty-two pages with photos and text about his business titled ‘The Balarinji Story’. From very small beginnings this company now has a high profile with its designs found on uniforms for major companies and even on kimonos in Japan. These designs have also found their way on to Qantas planes, the sails of the Opera House and overbridges around Sydney. Various promotional material and sports uniforms have carried their designs, and some sculptures and business installations also foreground their work.
As well as learning about this Saltwater Fella and his achievements, there are many interesting facts about the Aboriginal culture also to be gleaned. The book explains cultural names – children have a skin name as well as a given name and these determine relationships. Also, the reader learns that most of the stolen generation all have the same official birthday, 1st April. (Make of that what you will.) I also found it interesting that, in Aboriginal culture, you’re not born anywhere, you’re found in a particular place (182) and that you gain your spirit from where conception occurs as well as from where you are born.
I discovered this to be a very interesting and enlightening read.
Saltwater Fella
(2025)
by John Moriarty
The Miegunyah Press
ISBN:978-0-522-88110-3
$26.99; 292pp