It was Senator Bob Brown who got me involved in the fortunes of Recherche Bay. He asked me to inspect the ‘garden’ in February 2003, to address a protest rally in April 2005 and, a few months later, to launch his beautiful booklet portraying the peninsula from the air and a related photographic exhibition.^[3] His dedicated concern proved an inspiration, not only to myself, but to his friendly group of staff and volunteers. Of these latter I owe particular thanks to Margaret Blakers and (Senator) Christine Milne.

Other Tasmanians who provided various assistance were Greg Hogg, Bruce Poulson, Deborah Wace, Wren Fraser-Cameron and our transport drivers Heather Beatie and Jane Thiele; Carl Wright provided his boat. Archaeologists Parry Kostoglou and Anne McConnell, in Hobart, and Anne Bickford and historian Edward Duyker, in Sydney, provided advice and publications. Greg Hogg and Parry Kostoglou guided me to various sites on a visit during March 2006. In Canberra, Dr Ted Lilley clarified many issues of Earth magnetism and saved me from errors, although any confusion remaining is my responsibility. Doreen Bowdery assisted in many ways. The Sydney Heritage Fleet provided images and helpful advice. The comments of referees Isabel McBryde, Michael Pearson, Michael Pickering, Ingereth Macfarlane and Kaye Price proved most valuable.

For assistance with typing (because I write with a biro) and photographic production I thank family members Michael Mulvaney (Canberra) and Mary Ramson Mulvaney (Bowral). Clare Nugent, my daughter, translated French texts.

On advice that Tasmanian Aboriginal people prefer that term to ‘Indigenous’, I have used ‘Aboriginal/Aborigines’ throughout.

I emphasise that critical opinions and interpretations expressed are my own and not necessarily those of the Board of Aboriginal History or those acknowledged above. This text was completed in April 2006 and deals with legislative changes and events only up to that date.