Films like Lousy Little Sixpence matter

Documentary films like Lousy Little Sixpence are not only about history. They are about reconciliation - which begins with listening.

During National Reconciliation Week, dozens gathered at Hazelhurst Gallery to listen to stories to understand more deeply why First Nations people continue to carry the consequences of systems designed to dispossess, control and exclude them — not because of failure, but because so much was taken, withheld, managed and denied.

Lousy Little Sixpence gave us pause. It asked us to stop and reflect. It asked us to consider what it means to reconcile with a past that has too often been softened, hidden or rewritten.

Following the film, Larrakia woman and Sutherland Shire Reconciliation chair, Sonja Scherer talked with the audience about the false narrative in this country that First Nations people receive special treatment — free houses, free cars, free education, and benefits at the expense of everyone else. That story is not only false; it is damaging. It is often repeated by people who do not know the history, or who refuse to know it, because knowing the truth would require them to confront what was taken.

And what was taken was immense.

“In our earlier education, we were taught that Australia was built on the sheep’s back — that wool, agriculture and industry carried the nation into prosperity. But Lousy Little Sixpence revealed another truth: that Australia’s wealth, labour systems and development were also built off the backs of First Nations people, including children, who worked long, hard hours for little or no pay” Scherer said.

By the time New South Wales finally attempted to repay stolen wages through the Aboriginal Trust Fund Repayment Scheme between 2005 and 2011, many of the Aboriginal people whose labour had helped build this state — without receiving the wages, control or dignity given to other workers — had already died.

That is why this film, and so many like it, matters.

The audience were reminded that truth-telling is not about blame. It is about honesty. It is about recognising that the present did not appear from nowhere. Disadvantage is made. Poverty is made. Family separation was made. Loss of land, wages, culture and opportunity was made through decisions, policies and systems.

After watching Lousy Little Sixpence, we took with us a part of Australian history that all Australians should know. It asked us to confront not only what happened, but what those actions created.

We had the opportunity to connect with other locals in the community who were committed to reconciliation. Over afternoon tea, we discussed what responsibility we now share to build something fairer. 

National Reconciliation Week isn’t the only time for Australians to learn about shared histories, cultures and achievements. We invite you to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day by becoming a member of Sutherland Shire Reconciliation. To help make Australia a kinder and more connected place.

You can become an SSR member here.