Two Cultures, One Story
Two Cultures, One Story
Dr Robert Isaacs with Tanaz Byramji
Dr Robert Francis Isaacs AM, OAM, PhD (Hon) has spent his life bridging the divide between white and black Australia. Taken from his mother as a baby, Robert was raised in institutions not knowing he had a family and not knowing he was Aboriginal.
Enduring severe hardship, discipline and abuse at the hands of the Christian Brothers, Robert went out into the world at the age of 16 determined to make a life for himself and a family of his own.
A chance encounter with a member of his extended family would help shape the rest of his life. Determined to both embrace his culture and build on his faith and education, Robert immersed himself in the world of Aboriginal health and housing, proving to be a straight-talking, deft political negotiator who can achieve real outcomes for Aboriginal people. Over the decades, Robert brings his considerable interpersonal skills to bear in the areas of alcohol and drug abuse, employment, relations with the police, the justice system and education.
Told with grace and strength, this memoir shares the inside story of a respected Elder and his drive to break down cultural barriers and improve the lives of his people.
About the Authors:
Robert Isaacs is a highly respected Aboriginal Elder from the Bibilmum Noongar language group. He has dedicated his life to breaking down cultural barriers and improving the lives of disadvantaged people. Career highlights include: establishing the first Aboriginal Medical Service and associated dental, rehabilitation and health care clinics; negotiating the first land use and mining royalties arrangement; improving relations between Aboriginals and the justice system; assisting in establishing Clontarf Aboriginal College; and leading ground-breaking housing initiatives. Robert has been the recipient of numerous awards, including Member of the Order of Australia (AM) on the Queen’s Birthday Honours List (2016), NAIDOC Male Elder (2016), West Australian of the Year (2015) and Freeman to the City of Gosnells (2015). He now continues his community work through board appointments, ambassadorships, his work as a Justice of the Peace and speaking engagements.
Tanaz Byramji is a communications professional with a passion for helping individuals identify and convey their stories. She combines professional writing expertise with a unique ability to capture her client’s authentic voice, and specialises in helping others communicate their personal and professional stories. She has worked with Dr Robert Isaacs for many years, assisting with keynote speeches, media responses, panel discussion points, and a wide range of other communication materials before spending several years preparing his biography Two Cultures, One Story. Tanaz is the founder of full-service career consultancy Career Results, a senior practitioner and business owner within Successful Resumes Australia and a lead career coach with a wide range of organisations ranging from Flex Careers and Career Switch to Verve, an ethical super fund.
Dimensions: H 21cm x W 15cm
ISBN: 9781925936070
Publisher: Magabala Books
Publication Date: 2021
Format: Paperback
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