Author(s): NIXON Allan

History

The Murray holds a special place in the hearts of Australians, beloved for its natural beauty, its integral role in agriculture, its colourful history and as a favourite holiday destination. But a look beyond the spectacular vistas and picturesque paddleboats reveals a river stripped of its splendour by long years of drought and misuse. Every politician in the country has a view on how to fix the Murray, but Allan Nixon has sought out those who know it best - those who live and work beside it. Travelling along the river from Goolwa to beyond Albury, we meet the woman who has swum its entire length, the owner of the country's smallest paddleboat, the last river-trader, as well as those who fish the river's waters, farm on its banks, or who are fighting to preserve it. Their stories are as diverse as the Murray itself, but their message is the same: there's still plenty to celebrate about life on the river. Riverfolk is an uplifting tribute to an Australian icon.