At some stage in the mid 80’s I became intrigued by a WW2 story I’d heard. Australian soldiers were sent north of Darwin, and forgotten about by their military superiors. Fortunately for one and all, they were not so arrogant that they deigned help from the local Aborigines beneath them. Their ultimate survival, a testament to the sublime local knowledge and wisdom of these long standing inhabitants of that land.

The story stayed with me. I knew nothing about Aboriginal culture. Why would I? Back then, life in suburban Melbourne was so removed from the Aborigine ways and means, I may as well have been brought up in Stockholm.

‘Stoney Broke and The Hi- Spenders’ is very much the tale of what ensued once I tried to rectify my lack of knowledge. I travelled north to Darwin to research the WW2 story, but in the book, it is only mentioned in passing,

My internal  journey was in getting to know the wonderful, crazy,  eccentric, loveable, enigmatic, frustrating, and ever inventive musicians who were ‘Stoney Broke and the Hi-Spenders.’ A  great Melbourne band, except for the music.

 Back then whitefellas in blackfella bands were a rare commodity. I was one, and I wouldn’t have missed it for quids.

(postage included in Australia)