The Curlew's Eye

by Karen Manton

  Many friends and family have encouraged, believed in and assisted me. I cannot thank you enough for giving me strength and sharing your knowledge—from story, narrative and drama; to cultural experience and knowledge, protocols and migrant journeys; to the practicalities of properties, meatworks and plants in the top end; and the wonders of film photography and developing prints.

  Some of you have been there again and again to read yet another draft or be a sounding board, discuss concerns and give insights. Others have drawn diagrams, suggested research paths, answered queries. Thanks to those who offered a quiet place to write; and those who stood by me through struggles and urged me to keep going. To all of you, thank you for your time, expertise, thoughtfulness and generosity, in particular:

  Sally Allard, Peter Bishop, Karl Brand, Mary Anne Butler, Michael Chew, Ju Yuen Chew, Francine Chinn, Nicole Conroy, Jim Cox, Kerry Crosbie, Margaret Fendley, Dr Payi Linda Ford, Grundo, Russell-Hana, Karan Hayward, Tina Higgins, Brian Hubber, Terri Janke, Adam Kalnins, Jenny Kemp, Cate Kennedy, Melissa Kerr, Prue King, Maree Klesch, Breda Knightley, Trina Kruse, Di Lucas, Carolyn McLennan, Uncle Speedy McGuinness (Kungarakan Elder), Cat McKay, Donna McKenzie, LeeAnne Mahaffey, Maree Molinaro, Julia Moriarty, Sue Mornane, Lynne Muir, Terry Morgan, Zora Naidu, Mick Newnham, Rachel Nordlinger, Papulu Aparr-kari Management Committee, Bruce Pertzel, David Pollock, Dani Powell, Tibby Quall (Dangalaba Elder), Tash Rabbidge, Markus Rathsman, Anna Reynolds, Therese Ritchie, Joseph Sherman, Leah Swann, Ania Tait, Narelle Verzeletti, George Watts, Sam Wells, Christine Wilton.

  To my colleagues Helena Turner, Melissa Raymond, Gillian Terry, Lisa Capps, Colleen McBride, Amanda Bethel-Donaldson; and Ailsa Purdon, Melanie Wilkinson and Rebecca Green—thank you for your keen support. Thank you also Batchelor Institute Library, the CALL Collection, and Libraries and Archives NT.

  My deep thanks to those who have been part of my broader writing journey—Jill Morris, Barbara Pertzel, Catherine Waterhouse; my parents-in-law Wendy and Ian Pollock; and the many friends, relatives and colleagues who have been there over years with coffee, chocolate, food, massages, kindness and goodwill. Batchelor Book Club, thank you and I’ll be there more often now.

  I’m grateful to the arts organisations and workers who have enabled writing opportunities: NT Writers Centre, Arts NT and Varuna Writers House—without you we could not create and share our work.

  Special thanks to my mother Jill and brothers Paul and David for your affirmation from the beginning, a passion for books and stories, and your reading, advice and support.

  And all the heartfelt thanks in the world to my husband David, and sons Jethro and Isak for sustaining, comforting and encouraging me across these years with your patience, understanding and love. Isak, thank you for the map, and Jethro for your magic, and both of you for your amazing forbearance, energy, humour and wisdom. You are my soul’s treasures.