Characters & Actors
A proud Murray Islander who has lived most of his life off the island, Eddie is the central character. Married to Netta and father of their ten children, he loves his family but is regularly preoccupied with ‘black causes’: fighting for Indigenous rights, and engaging in legal battles with the government for recognition of his ownership of land on Murray.
Eddie works in a number of different jobs during his life, is headmaster of a community school for Indigenous children, works hard to educate himself and plans to one day return to his land to live.
Courtesy: Insight Publications.
Eddie works in a number of different jobs during his life, is headmaster of a community school for Indigenous children, works hard to educate himself and plans to one day return to his land to live.
Courtesy: Insight Publications.
Eddie’s wife, Netta, stands by her husband throughout the many challenges posed by his court cases. She cares about their family above all else, although she does broadly agree with Eddie’s political agenda. Netta is Indigenous, but not from Murray Island. She is loyal and loving but also strong, stubborn, resourceful and practical.
Lawyer from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service in Cairns initially take on Eddie’s land-rights claim. Greg McIntyre eventually represents Eddie separately in the final High Court challenge.
A non-Indigenous bureaucrat responsible (under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Protection Act) for the welfare of Islanders in Queensland. He frequently exerts his power by intimidating his charges.
The Supreme Court judge presiding over Eddie’s land-rights claim in Queensland.
A lawyer and the opposing counsel in the land-rights (and later High Court) case.
Academics specialising in Aboriginal history, Loos and Reynolds exchange knowledge with Eddie, encourage his activism and become his friends.
The island is portrayed as idyll and worth fighting for. It is shown in natural beauty and alludes to its connection to a higher power - the one responsible for beauty. It is far from uncivilised, with community, rules and elected leaders.
Checklist Requirement: Character Activity
Answer the following questions for each of the characters listed on this page:
- How does Perkins choose to portray this character?
- How does this character change throughout the course of the film?
- What role does the character play in the film?
- What is the viewer expected to learn from this character?
- What are the five most important moments or turning points for this character?