Under a Bilari Tree I Born: The memoir of a resilient First Nations woman of the Pilbara

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Alice Bilari Smith Anna Vitenbergs

Under a Bilari Tree I Born

Name: Under a Bilari Tree I Born
Price: 34.99 AUD
Availability: PreOrder
ISBN: 9781760995645

The memoir of a resilient First Nations woman of the Pilbara

Alice Bilari Smith, Anna Vitenbergs, Loreen Brehaut

$34.99

Paperback

Forthcoming
Pre-Order now

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English

Fremantle Press
30 June 2026

Biography: general; History; Social & cultural history; Oral history; First Nations

Released in a stunning new edition, this First Nations classic details the strength and resilience of women (particularly First Nations women) in regional Australia.

This groundbreaking publication brings to light the hidden experience of First Nations women in regional and remote Australia.

Now available as a stunning new Indigenous Classic, Alice Bilari Smith's extraordinary journey embodies the strength and spirit of Australia's country women. Raised amidst the rugged beauty of the bush and the challenges of station life in the Pilbara, Alice mastered a range of skills, from cooking and sewing to mustering and dingo scalping. In Roebourne (the oldest town in the north west of Western Australia), Alice's commitment extended beyond her own children, as she played a pivotal role in establishing a Homemakers Centre for Aboriginal families. Alice was one of the indomitable women who shaped our communities, and who inspired others by their example.

By: Alice Bilari Smith, Anna Vitenbergs, Loreen Brehaut
Imprint: Fremantle Press
Country of Publication: Australia
Edition: 2nd ed.
Dimensions: Height: 207mm, Width: 140mm, Spine: 17mm
Weight: 282g
ISBN: 9781760995645
ISBN 10: 1760995649
Pages: 240
Publication Date: 30 June 2026
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Alice Bilari Smith (Author) Alice Bilari Smith was born at Rocklea Station in the Pilbara, in the north of Western Australia in the 1920s. Her mother was a Banyjima woman and her father a white teamster. She was raised by her Aboriginal family and narrowly escaped being removed to Moore River. After her marriage, Alice spent most of her adult years living in the bush and raising a large family. They retained their language and many of their customs, and it was not until 1969 that Alice settled in Roebourne in WA's North West, so that her children could attend school. Living in Roebourne, she was a foster mother to fifteen children and a valued member of the community. Alice died on 1 February 2012 at Roebourne District Hospital.

Reviews for Under a Bilari Tree I Born: The memoir of a resilient First Nations woman of the Pilbara

'... an evocative and powerful Aboriginal voice.' Aboriginal History 'The description of Alice's life in overlapping Aboriginal and European worlds provides ... a unique view of how this Aboriginal woman lived and survived in each.' JAS Review of Books '... a splendid piece of Indigenous oral history.' Canberra Times '... a fascinating insight on an indigenous life lived between the black and white worlds of the North-West.' West Australian 'Alice's story captures a vital part of Australia's history and is essential reading for secondary students who want to gain a deeper understanding of the life and experiences of Aboriginal women living in Australia.' Australian Teacher