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Culture and tradition act as a guidance to life

Quote: "Nan would probably have called it a special dream, one I should listen to."

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Exploration of Indigenous culture

"I was only told stories if I was seen as matured"

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The issue of lasting colonial authority over the land.

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The theme, "family come first'.

"Its your choice. Parents and siblings are your relations. Family takes care of one another and helps each other."

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The theme of moving forward during tough times

" keeping moving forwards, just keep moving forward"

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The idea that no matter how bad the situation is it'll always get better

"The ghost bird sits staring at us, before turning and flying into the night"

-symbolism

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The theme, 'family comes first'.

"It's your choice. Parents and siblings are your relations. Family takes care of one another and helps each other"

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"whole heap of the uncles, aunties and older cousins are going out on the roads around the Potter's place, hoping she made it that far"

pg 53 - family sticks together to help eachother out

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The importance of family in small communities “it sounds like t should smell bad but it doesn’t. Smells like home”

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The idea that many people struggle with mental health problems.

"Mad May Miller is out doing her usual thing ... muttering to invisible people."

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What doesn't kill you makes you stronger

"love you, she whispers"

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Discrimination

Quote: "...they'd blame local blacks for it"

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A connection to family and cultural heritage is immensely important.

"I fall asleep with Mum's arms and Nan's presence surrounding me."

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The complexities of mothers and daughters relationship

"You LIED TO MY FACE for FIVE MONTHS!"

I feel the guilt stab as her accusation hits home

...a page later

"Please don't go anywhere"

the first time I've heard my proud mum beg

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Family is first

Quote: when someone goes missing, its like a hole opens up in the world

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'they never listen, they only hear what they want they want to'

Discrimination

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"The Potter's arents the kind of people we'd go anywhere near. Their long-running hatred of anything darker than tan is well known."

pg 42 - presence of racism

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`The issue of normalised racism - “the Admin ladies eye us like were walking dog treats…”

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Racism

"I'll let you go after I'm done"

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Racism:

Quote: "...they'd blame the local blacks for it."

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The idea that family can get you through anything

"I feel safe, I fall asleep in my mums eyes"

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The issue of marginalisation and enthocidic behaviours towards indigenous Australians

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the issue of segregation

"Everybody knows that some parts of the town are 'white' territory and others are 'black' "

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'when someone goes missing, its like a hole opens up in the world'

-Family comes first

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The issue of segregation of the indigenous community

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The idea that respecting tradition is essential for safety and harmony.

Quote: "You can't just ignore the old ways-bad things happen when you do."

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"My twin is part of me." pg. 76

THEME: The complex human connection between twins and or siblings.

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The issue of people with mental health issues are discriminated againts.

"Mad May Miller"

-Alliteration

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Family is i..i..important during difficulty :)

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The complexities of relationships between mothers and daughters.

"... I need at least one of my children safe." - Alana Thomson (Mum)

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Family can get you through anything

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Family comes first

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The idea that culture is not always accepted

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the idea that culture is an important aspect of life

Quote:

"Fire is the centre of our world. It's where everything happens: cooking, playing, laughing, family, story. Fire means so much more than just a bunch of burning carbon."

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the issue of discrimination against indigenous Australians

Quote:

"... they'd blamed the local blacks for it."

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The idea that cultural restrictions are to be valued.

"...those hills are taboo." - Mum

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the issues of racism

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Racism in Australia towards indigenous people

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culture guides people through difficult times

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The idea that family can get you through anything

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The issue of racism