Fringe dwellers facts for kids
The term fringe dwellers was used in Australia to describe groups of Aboriginal people who camped on the edges of towns and cities. They often lived there because they had been excluded from their traditional lands. This exclusion happened mostly due to laws or the loss of land after the colonisation of Australia.
In Adelaide, South Australia, this term was especially used in the early days of settlement. It referred to those who camped in the park lands around the city centre.
Contents
Understanding "Fringe Dwellers"
The idea of "fringe dwellers" describes a sad part of Australian history. When European settlers arrived, they took over the land. This meant that many Aboriginal people lost their homes and traditional ways of life. They were often forced to move away from their ancestral lands.
Because they had nowhere else to go, some Aboriginal groups set up camps on the very edges, or "fringes," of the new towns and cities. These camps were often temporary and lacked proper facilities. It was a difficult way of life, showing how much their lives had changed due to colonisation.
"Long Grassers": A Modern Term
Today, especially in Northern Australia, people sometimes use the term "Long Grassers" to describe Aboriginal people who live on the outskirts of towns. This term is similar to "fringe dwellers."
Northern Australia has warm weather all year round. This makes it possible for people to live outdoors for long periods without needing official homes. "Long Grassers" are often people who travel between places and do not have a fixed address.
"The Fringe Dwellers" in Books and Film
The experiences of "fringe dwellers" have been explored in Australian culture. A famous example is the 1961 novel The Fringe Dwellers. It was written by Western Australian author Nene Gare.
This book was later made into a film in 1986, also called The Fringe Dwellers. The movie was directed by Bruce Beresford. Both the book and the film helped to tell the stories of Aboriginal people living on the edges of society.
See Also
- Alienation (property law)
- The Fringe Dwellers, a 1986 film
- The Fringe Dwellers (novel), a 1961 novel
