| home the land times past hot spots ... oz kids The way of life in Australia reflects the diverse background of the population. From the first Australians to the British settlers, to the immigrants from all continents of the world, the influences of all have helped to create a unique culture. Long before the arrival of Europeans, the Australian aborigines created elaborate paintings on rock and bark (pictured right) . The value of early paintings by European immigrants lies primarily in their importance as a record of the settlement of the country. Since European settlement there have been many famous Australian artists, including 20th century painters Sir William Dobell, George Russell Drysdale, Frederick Ronald Williams, and Sidney Nolan. The work of Sidney Nolan, based on themes derived from Australian history and folklore, has achieved world-wide reknown. From children's books to Nobel Prize winning literature, Australians have produced them all. Notable authors include Marcus Clarke, Henry Lawson, Miles Franklin, Jon Cleary, Colleen McCullough, Thomas Keneally, and Patrick White. Patrick White was the first Australian to win the Nobel Prize for literature in 1973. Favourite children's authors include May Gibbs, creator of the Gumnut Babies, and Dorothy Wall, creator of Blinky Bill. Reknowned poets include A.B. Paterson ("Waltzing Matilda"), Dorothea Mackellar, C.J. Dennis, and Kenneth Slessor. The oldest music in Australia is the music of the Aborigines. Music plays a central role in both social and sacred life in Aborginal societies. During social gatherings called corroborees, singing and dancing provide the major form of entertainment. Songs serve as the vital link to the realm of Aboriginal spirits called Dreamtime. The Aborigines believe that, long ago, these spirits sang songs that created all living things on earth. Today, these songs are sung to ensure the survival and propagation of plant and animal life. | |
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