Poetry of the Forgotten People

Greta Scacchi pays a personal tribute to Aboriginal poet Oodgeroo Noonuccal, formerly known as Kath Walker. A pioneer of Aboriginal poetry, she was the first Indigenous Australian woman to have her work published, which was a milestone in Australian history. She was also a trailblazing Aboriginal Rights campaigner and environmental activist, who paved the way for contemporary Aboriginal artists and political campaigners. In this programme Greta Scacchi, who spent much of her childhood in Australia, shares how over the years, Oodgeroo's poetry has grown with her and still even today continues to surprise and excite her. Joining Greta are close friends and family of Oodgeroo, who share their memories of this remarkable woman and the impact she had not only on their lives but on millions of Australians too. Throughout the programme we will hear Oodgeroo's poems read by Aboriginal actress Roxanne McDonald. Produced by Charlotte Austin and Diana Bentley A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.