1970s

The secluded sandhills near La Perouse where Kooris (and many others) are still living in rebuilt shacks come under pressure for housing development.

Women from La Perouse, lobby government to support an Aboriginal pre school. Maroubra Department of Social Security allocate the women an outside laundry at Yarra Bay House, they begin a playgroup for mothers and children.

It is Australia Day and Prime Minister William McMahon announces a new Aboriginal policy, against the advice of the Council for Aboriginal Affairs. The Aboriginal Tent Embassy is erected on the lawns in front of Parliament House – to become known as the Aboriginal Tent Embassy - The Aboriginal black, red and yellow flag designed by Luritja artist Harold Thomas becomes a national symbol.

The Aboriginal Lands Trust created by the NSW government, places all reserve land in it's hands. La Perouse is one such reserve.

After a big struggle with the local council, by Aboriginal mothers, a room is allocated to them to begin Gujaga Pre School, they have to pick up and return the key to Maroubra each day.

Botany Bay is dredged and shells began to appear on local beaches near La Perouse. Mavis Longbottom explained “the beach always meant a lot to us.. we would pick up shells for our shellwork”.

Lola Ryan and Mavis Longbottom have shellwork displayed at the Powerhouse Museum.

Esme Timbrey and Marilyn Russell create Shell Art.