About

Author biography

In 1982, Barbara Jackson left her suburban life in Melbourne to work in remote Aboriginal communities. Her commitment to social justice, combined with her curiosity and ‘can do’ Aussie spirit led her to a career in community development in remote Australia and internationally. Crossing Cultures, An Anglo-Australian Working in Aboriginal Communities is her first book.

Before working in Papunya, Coonamble and Yarralin, Barbara knew little about these Aboriginal communities and even less about their past history. In Crossing Cultures, Barbara shares her experiences and mistakes as she learned about the communities, their living conditions and the way the government dominated the lives of the Aboriginal people.

Passionate about community, in retirement Barbara joined Melbourne groups supporting people seeking asylum and climate change activism. In 2015 she joined a writing group which motivated this book’s stories and intensive research. She has a Master of Community Development.