In 1937 Kurnai man, Stewart Hood and his family left Lake Tyers mission. Refusing to live under the conditions any longer after being shot at by the mission manager, he went to work for the Tonkin brothers, Daryl and Harry, on 550 acres of farmland and forest in Jindivick, Gippsland Victoria.
This unique place, known as 'Jackson’s Track', provided plenty of work, fresh water, wild animals and firewood and soon became the place where many indigenous families began to thrive and became self-sufficient. For over two decades Daryl Tonkin and the Aboriginal community lived in peace enjoying the land and their culture.
Daryl married tribally to Euphemia Mullet and descendants such as Linda Mullet and Cheryl Dayton featured in this documentary still live in the area today. Being an interracial couple, they were at risk of their children being removed as part of the stollen generation.
Life at Jackson’s Track was not easy, but the family were able to live in relative freedom and bring up their children in a healthy, safe and nurturing environment.
By the late 1950s, changes were made in the rural economy and legislation and soon those living at the Jackson’s Track camp were given a week to leave, with the promise of new homes including all amenities in local towns. These false promises were never fulfilled and Linda, Cheryl and their family were moved to the fringe of Drouin to an area they called ‘The Highway Camp’.
It was here, that many indigenous families began to suffer ill health.
This destruction was not an isolated event but part of a long history of dispossessions and betrayal of Aboriginal peoples throughout Australia. A history that every Australian needs to learn about, from the elders themselves.
Cheryl and Linda share some of their heartfelt journey in this documentary titled ‘Jackson’s Track’.
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‘Jackson’s Track’ was shot in half a day, between lockdowns during the 2021 pandemic in collaboration with the West Gippsland Healthcare Group.
The documentary was officially premiered at the Women In Gippsland International Women’s Day event on March 9th 2023 in front of 700 women in the hopes to create a shift in mindsets across Gippsland in advocacy for our First Nation Gippslandians and beyond.
Jackson’s Track Credits
Executive Producers
Meredith Davey, Angela Greenall, Cheryl Drayton & Linda Mullet
Produced & Directed by
Danielle McAlpine Johnson
Written by
Danielle McAlpine Johnson & Aaron Harvey
Edited by
Aaron Harvey
Shot by
Acaua Doherty & Samuel Kwong
Production Manager
Chico Johnson
Produced by
CheekyMac Productions in association with West Gippsland Healthcare Group
Original Photos Copyright © Cheryl Drayton
