Warren Fahey
Exploring the Australian identity through history, story, song and folklore
Explore Australia’s Distinctive Cultural Identity.
Delve into the intriguing narratives of Australia’s past and present, whether you’re a passionate scholar, a lover of music, or just seeking knowledge. Start your journey by engaging with the captivating world of Australian culture today.
On this site, you will discover hundreds of songs, stories, rare photographs, videos, concert recordings and some of my early radio series. There are also many digitised songs from my early seventies and onward oral history collecting expeditions. A treasure chest of Australian folklore and curious history.
The site documents many aspects of the Australian story – the good, the bad and (unfortunately) the ugly. It addresses the reality of our history, including the brutality of the penal colony, the frontier wars, systemic racism and the sometimes bewildering decisions of big business and government. At the same time, there are many stories of aspiration, determination and brave leadership.
As a cultural historian, I remind all Australians of the debt of gratitude we owe the people who pioneered this great country. It doesn’t matter if your family came on the First Fleet or a leaky boat last week – this new country was built on the spirit of the outback and, later, the determination of city slickers.
As a whitefella, I also acknowledge the traditional owners of my land. I pay my respects to Gadigal elders, past and present. Australian settlement owes an immense debt to the Aboriginal people who guided us through social and physical unchartered territory. Whatever the outcome of ‘The Voice’, I look forward to a ‘wiser’ and united Australia.
One major feature of the revamped site is the ‘Outback Stories’ series of twelve 20 minute documentary videos. I hope viewers enjoy them – I think they are a very special celebration of our pioneering spirit.
When I am not digging into Australian history, writing books, producing records or performing, I earn my keep by giving talks (where I flog books and CDs) – I have a schedule of over fifty different talks, many based on my books. You can see these talks under the ‘Booking’ section of the site. I enjoy speaking to groups, conferences etc., and, of course, where appropriate, usually throw in songs, tunes, recitations and a few bush yarns. I also enjoy the challenge of creating illustrated talks for specific projects for museums, libraries, clubs, galleries, colleges etc. My sights are always set on the next project because there are so many stories to be told.
Upcoming Events
20TH FEBRUARY TO 3RD MARCH 2024
SEABOURN 'SOJOURN'
CRUISING THE GREAT BARRIER REEF, TORRES STRAIT & TOP END
During the cruise I will be giving seven talks about the outback, bush life and strife, also spinning a few yarns and singing a bush few songs. Tough life!
2pm Saturday 4th May. 1Bent Street, Concord.
Canada Bay Historical Society
8TH OCTOBER TO 30TH OCTOBER
REGENT SEVEN SEAS 'SPLENDOR'
REGENT SEVEN SEAS IS A SMALL LUX CRUISE LINE
During the cruise I will be giving a dozen talks - including maritime folklore, Roman architecture and empire, History of the Book, History of Venice, Foodways of the Adriatic, History of boozing, children's folklore etc - the rest of the time I will be working on a new book. Tough life!
A celebration of curious Australian history through stories, songs, recitations and ditties.
Explore tales of the outback with one of Australia’s best-known cultural historians as he explains why the bush is so important to the continuing story of the Australian Identity. Warren Fahey will also take you through the Sydney of yesteryears when larrikins ruled the streets, the lean and mean years of the Great Depression and war years, and how Sydneysiders see themselves as unique.
6pm February 8th 2024
Stanton Library, North Sydney.
North Shore Historical Society
The curious story of Sydney's three earliest burial grounds and the 'residents' including the good, bad & very bad.
18 January 2024
Crows Nest Probus Club
The curious story of Sydney's three earliest burial grounds and the 'residents' including the good, bad & very bad.
6th June 2024
Baulkham Hills Mixed Probus Club
@ 2pm Baulkham Hills Sports Club.
