Learn the story behind Croker Island

The story of the Croker Island exodus is one of resilience and survival against all the odds - and it's part of our local history.

In 1942, 95 Aboriginal children from a mission station, along with their 3 cottage mothers, escaped the threat of Japanese invasion. Travelling from Croker Island, Northern Territory, by foot, boat, canoe, truck and train, the children arrived in Otford. There, they lived at the Methodist Conference Centre and attended local schools until 1946.

This extraordinary event in local history is captured in the documentary Croker Island Exodus, which was set to be screened as part of our exhibition event at Wollongong Library. However, due to lockdown restrictions, we've had to postpone the screening and instead are able to bring you the documentary at home. You can watch Croker Island Exodus for free until 19 August - simply go here to get started.

Wollongong City Libraries would like to thank the filmmakers for allowing us to bring you this documentary.

Image: Mavis Kelso (left) and Ruby Brawn were friends who met because of the exodus and were pupils at Scarborough Public School. Images courtesy of the State Library of NSW.