Waltzing Matilda

Waltzing Matilda
Author: Dennis O'Keeffe
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Total Pages: 322
Release: 2012
Genre: History
ISBN: 1742377068

An expose of two cover-ups: one the death of a swagman by a billabong; the other, a torrid affair between Banjo Paterson and his fiancee's best friend, and how the two events come together in Australia's best-loved national song. Australians know Waltzing Matilda, written by their most popular poet Banjo Paterson, as their most loved song and unofficial national anthem. What Australians don't know is that their song is embroiled in a web of secrecy, violence and a triangular love affair. Written at a pivotal time in Australia's history, Waltzing Matilda is as important to Australian culture as events like the Eureka Stockade and the story of Ned Kelly. One hundred and fifteen years after the writing of Waltzing Matilda, Australians continue to be fascinated with the song and sing it proudly wherever they meet to celebrate. Given the facts outlined in this story, they will be further captivated and embrace the song for decades to come.

Waltzing Matilda

Waltzing Matilda
Author: Andrew Barton Paterson
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Total Pages: 32
Release: 2019-12
Genre: Australian fiction
ISBN: 9781743832882

This famous ballad of the outback wanderer who drowned himself rather than lose his freedom needs no introduction. There is no swagman as legendary as the tragic hero of this tale, and there is no Australian song as well-known throughout the world. Here the famous ballad is given new depth and perspective. Talented illustrator Freya Blackwood has explored the intriguing background behind the writing of this song, and has shown us not just the lively story of a proud outback larrikin, but also a glimpse into the clashes and struggles that were so formative of Australian history.

A Waltz for Matilda (The Matilda Saga, #1)

A Waltz for Matilda (The Matilda Saga, #1)
Author: Jackie French
Publisher: HarperCollins Australia
Total Pages: 36
Release: 2010-12-01
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 0730493962

The story behind Banjo Paterson's iconic Australian song. 'Once a jolly swagman camped by a Billabong Under the shade of a Coolibah tree And he sang as he watched and waited till his Billy boiled You'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me...' In 1894, twelve-year-old Matilda flees the city slums to find her unknown father and his farm. But drought grips the land, and the shearers are on strike. Her father has turned swaggie and he's wanted by the troopers. In front of his terrified daughter, he makes a stand against them, defiant to the last. 'You'll never catch me alive, said he...' Set against a backdrop of bushfire, flood, war and jubilation, this is the story of one girl's journey towards independence. It is also the story of others who had no vote and very little but their dreams. Drawing on the well-known poem by A.B. Paterson and from events rooted in actual history, this is the untold story behind Australia's early years as an emerging nation. PRAISE 'Jackie French has a passion for history, and an enviable ability to weave the fascinating minutiae of everyday life into a good story.' -- Magpies Magazine

And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda

And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda
Author: Eric Bogle
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Total Pages: 32
Release: 2015-02-01
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 174343488X

But the band played 'Waltzing Matilda' when we stopped to bury our slain. We buried ours, and the Turks buried theirs; then we started all over again. Eric Bogle's famous and familiar Australian song about the Battle of Gallipoli explores the futility of war with haunting power. Now Bruce Whatley's evocative illustrations bring a heart-rending sense of reality to the tale. A timely story for every generation to share.

Banjo and Christina

Banjo and Christina
Author: Peter Forrest
Publisher:
Total Pages: 107
Release: 2008
Genre: Ballads, English
ISBN: 9780980351507

Debunks contemporary views that Waltzing Matilda was an anthem for a free, socialist and independent Australia and argues that Paterson wrote it to impress a young woman.

Flock

Flock
Author: Ellen van Neerven
Publisher: Univ. of Queensland Press
Total Pages: 233
Release: 2021-05-04
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 0702264598

This wide-ranging and captivating anthology showcases both the power of First Nations writing and the satisfaction of a good short story. Curated by award-winning author Ellen van Neerven, Flock roams the landscape of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander storytelling, bringing together voices from across the generations. Featuring established authors such as Tony Birch, Melissa Lucashenko and Tara June Winch, and rising stars such as Adam Thompson and Mykaela Saunders, Flock confirms the ongoing resonance and originality of First Nations stories.

Saltbush Bill, J. P.

Saltbush Bill, J. P.
Author: Andrew Barton Paterson
Publisher: Library of Alexandria
Total Pages: 114
Release: 2020-09-28
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 146558496X

Not for the love of women toil we, we of the craft, Not for the people's praise; Only because our goddess made us her own and laughed, Claiming us all our days, Claiming our best endeavourÑbody and heart and brain Given with no reserveÑ Niggard is she towards us, granting us little gain; Still, we are proud to serve. Not unto us is given choice of the tasks we try, Gathering grain or chaff; One of her favoured servants toils at an epic high, One, that a child may laugh. Yet if we serve her truly in our appointed place, Freely she doth accord Unto her faithful servants always this saving grace, Work is its own reward!

Waltzing Matilda and The Sunshine Harvester Factory

Waltzing Matilda and The Sunshine Harvester Factory
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages:
Release: 2014
Genre: Arbitration, Industrial
ISBN:

This film is about the establishment and development of Australia's unique industrial relations system. It starts with the story of the Arbitration Court - the Commonwealth Court of Conciliation and Arbitration - why it was established, what it did and the influence it had on Australia's social, economic and political history.

Dancing Matilda

Dancing Matilda
Author: Sarah Hager
Publisher: Harper Collins
Total Pages: 42
Release: 2005-06
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 0060514523

This rhyming story follows a gleefully energetic kangaroo through her dancing day with a rhythm so infectious, readers will want to get up and dance themselves. Full color.