Back on the Block: Bill Simon's Story

Bill Simon

ISBN 10: 0855756772 / ISBN 13: 9780855756772

Published by Aboriginal Studies Press, 2009

About this Item

Bill Simon, Aboriginal Studies Press. Stolen, beaten, deprived of his liberty and used as child labour, Bill Simon's was not a normal childhood. He was told his mother didn't want him that he was 'the scum of the earth' and was locked up in the notorious Kinchela Boys Home for eight years. His experiences there would shape his life forever. Bill Simon got angry, something which poisoned his life for the next two decades. A life of self abuse and crime finally saw him imprisoned. But Bill Simon has turned his life around and in Back on the Block, he hopes to help others to do the same. These days Bill works on the other side of the bars, helping other member of the Stolen Generations find a voice and their place; finally putting their pain to rest. Click on the link for Back on the Block Teachers Notes.

Seller Inventory # 9780855756772-SECONDHAND

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Back on the Block: Bill Simon's Story
• Publisher: Aboriginal Studies Press
• Publication Date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0855756772
• ISBN 13: 9780855756772
• Binding: Paperback
• Book Type: Paperback

About this title

Synopsis

Bold and inspiring, this insider's story recalls the life of a stolen child who grew up to be an angry, addicted young man, only to eventually undergo a life-changing transformation into a compassionate pastor. Beaten, deprived of his freedom, and used as child labor, Bill Simon's abnormal childhood led to two decades of self-abuse and crime, of which this volume recounts many painful memories: of his mother telling him that she didn't want him and that he was "the scum of the earth," and of being locked up in the notorious Kinchela Boys Home for eight years. With humanity and hope, however, the chronicle shows how Bill turned his poisoned life around and now helps members of the Stolen Generations discover their voice, find their place, and put their pain to rest. From his home on the Block in Sydney’s Redfern—one of the most contentious and misunderstood places in Australia—Bill Simon tells the truth about life in one of Australia’s most notoriously abusive juvenile institutions and offers important insight into the brutality of the government's policy of assimilation.

About the Author

Bill Simon is a pastor who works on the Block in Sydney’s Redfern, assisting Aboriginal people and particularly fellow members of the Stolen Generations. Des Montgomerie has worked with Indigenous outback communities and has also recorded many interviews with members of the Stolen Generations. Jo Tuscano has worked in education and multicultural community programs for many years and has an MA in creative writing.