Summary

Leaflet containing instructions on how to throw a boomerang, a brief description of the boomerang and at the back a reminder of Bill Onus' business Aboriginal Enterprises which in the 1950s, produced 'all forms of native art'.

Bill Onus was an Aboriginal activist and entrepreneur who was born at Cummeragunja Aboriginal Reserve on the banks of the Murray River in 1906. He was politically active in the 1930s and 1940s and then again in the 1960s up to his death in 1968.

This leaflet dates to a period of his life when he put more energy into his business interests than politics. In 1952 he founded Aboriginal Enterprise Novelties and produced boomerangs, woomeras, fabrics and printed greeting cards with Aboriginal motifs. His business was established in Belgrave in the Dandenong Ranges. He toured Victoria to promote his business and gave demonstrations of boomerang-throwing which he advocated as a national sport. This leaflet was one small part of his promotion of his business and of boomerang throwing.

Physical Description

White folded paper leaflet with black and white printing and a photo of Bill Onus throwing a boomerang.

Significance

This pamphlet demonstrates a example of Indigenous people taking back ownership of their own culture while creating a business enterprise in the process, as well as contributing to changing people's perceptions and knowledge of Aboriginal people.

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