Rogues and Explorers -2014

Rogues and Explorers  will capture fishing stories from north Queenslander “old timers” using a traditional “interview” format and other historical sources. The interviews will create a public access  record of stories told by some of Townsville’s unsung pioneers, as well as some rogues whose tales capture “a slice of life” from north Queensland history.

Older fishermen based in Townsville and north Queensland love a ‘yarn’ and many have great memories for detail. While some local identities have previously spoken to oral historians, their projects have mostly focussed on fishing effort and resource use. Existing oral histories are not readily accessible and are not presented in a format that is suitable for the public. The focus on ‘extracting information’ can result in a loss of the richness and colour of the narrative. My project will be less concerned with “fact” and more focussed on creating a memorable story.

We hope to create stimulate listeners curiosity to engage with the marine environment and to adopt a attitude of environmental responsibility.

Project Components

1. Place Stories

Place Stories are short stories contributed by Townsville Writers and Publishers authors that will be located around Townsville in the “place” where the story is set. A QR code in each place will link to  the story on the website. The Rogues and Explorers story is a short historical fiction piece located at the boat ramp. Wriitten by Kate Osborne with editorial assistance from TWC. Draft for completion SEPTEMBER 2014. (This website is not yet available for viewing)

2. Radio Documentary – Latitude 18

Latitude 18 is an interview based documentary about fishing for Spanish Mackerel with a specific focus on the fishery near Townsville. Story and science. Interviews with recreational and professional fisherman, scientist and managers.

Spainish Mackerel are fast growing predators that are a prized sport and food fish. The documentary will convey a sense of big nature and of the Townsville region as the wild north. The link to the present time is provided by the changing nature of the fishery, especially the the growing dominance of the  recreational fishing sector.

3. A follow up documentary “Tropical Queensland – on the map” highlighting nq’s early nature documentary makers and writers.