Dorothy Bagshaw (Episode #5)

Dorothy Bagshaw was born just outside of Kojonup in 1946. She was taken at less than 12 months old—along with her mother, two sisters and brother—by the native welfare department.

They found themselves at Marribank Baptist Mission near Katanning, formerly known as the Carrolup Native Settlement. Carrolup had been established in 1915 to be a self-supporting scheme for the housing, education and employment of local Aboriginal people. Instead, it became the destination for many who’d been subject to forced removal from many places.

During this conversation with Wayne Bynder, Aunty Dot talks about her mother’s attempts to run away with the kids, the lifelong injury inflicted upon her sister Norma at Roelands Mission, and how she found solace in netball, as well as her advocacy work for the queer First Nations community.

Yarns with Stolen Mob is produced with the assistance of the Community Broadcasting Foundation. Find out more at cbf.org.au.

Listeners are advised that Stolen Generations testimonies about their forced removal as children from family, and their confinement in institutions, is distressing. If you are feeling worried or no good please call the 13YARN crisis support line to talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Supporter, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 13 92 76 or visit 13Yarn.org.au for more.