“Kidnapping” turns family historian into professor
Professor John Maynard didn’t even think about going to university until he was 40 years old and, twelve books later, he’s a professor.
Professor Maynard walked through the doors at the University of Newcastle’s Wollotuka Institute to get some advice about pulling together a family history of his grandfather, Fred Maynard who was a prominent Aboriginal activist almost 90 years ago.
Professor Maynard had gathered archival records, letters, photographs and newspaper cuttings.
“I had no great vision than pulling it all together and putting it into an exercise book and presenting it to the family,” Professor Maynard says.
He spoke to the then Director of the Institute, Professor Tracey Bunda who, he jokes, “kidnapped me into doing a Diploma course and then BA and a PhD.”
“The whole thing was driven by my grandfather and his memory and wanting to tell that story,” he said.
Hear Professor Maynard yarn with Tiga Bayles and Amy McQuire on the National Indigenous Radio service about his life and research.
Let’s Talk is 98.9fm’s flagship program and is listened to by a large Indigenous audience in Brisbane and around the country via the National Indigenous Radio Service.
Contact
- Dr Jacqueline Wright
- Phone: 02 4921 7408
- Email: jacqui.wright@newcastle.edu.au
Related news
- Launch of the School Students’ Statement on the Right to a Healthy Environment
- Funding boost to technology for lower emission steel
- Newcastle team on mission to improve childhood cancer outcomes
- Shanae’s passion for caring delivers her dream to work in health
- Food and nutrition degree serves Keren a rewarding career
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.