Locating and Mapping Aboriginal Campsites and Frontier Conflict Sites across Greater Brisbane

Discussing his Aboriginal Campsites of Greater Brisbane (Boolarong 2015), and his subsequent work at Griffith University mapping frontier warfare of south-eastern Queensland, Dr Ray Kerkhove shares insights on the types of primary sources, and best methods for estimating the location of historic Aboriginal camps and other Aboriginal sites of the post-Contact period. Ray will also detail the challenges of mapping frontier-period conflict.

Dr. Ray Kerkhove is a Visiting Fellow at the Harry Gentle Resource Centre, Griffith University in 2017 & 2018, during which time he developed a website that mapped Indigenous-settler conflicts of early south-east Queensland. He has over 30 years experience working with Indigenous families and organisations. He co-founded and project-managed ICP Aust Inc, which developed numerous Indigenous cultural and historical projects across Queensland. Ray specialises in locating Aboriginal history within specific landscapes and reconstructing the associated material culture and socio-cultural context. One example of this is his recent book Aboriginal Campsites of Greater Brisbane (2015). Ray's research has informed many exhibitions, community spaces, construction works (e.g. Toowoomba Bypass, Sunshine Coast Airport, Destination Brisbane), Master Plans, Native Title Reports, Council reports and websites including Redcliffe Museum, Virtual Songlines, and Mapping Brisbane History.