Female Convicts of the Hunter Valley - Documentary Launch

Saturday 13 May | 11am - 2pm

Roses from the Heart, was an Australia-wide initiative of Dr. Christina Henri that began in 2003 and is now recognized as a global public art project. The bonnets are used as a metaphor for the convict women and children transported to Australia. For a lot of them, their only crime was trying to provide for their families.

In this documentary, learn about the Roses from the Heart project and many other initiatives that stemmed from it, including ‘Many Were Sent, Some Stayed ‘by Maitland & Beyond Family History, ‘They Sent Me North’ by Newcastle Family History Society, and projects by Singleton Historical Society & Museum.

Focusing on specific women’s stories from the Hunter Valley, Female Convicts of the Hunter Valley is an opportunity to correct false narratives about these transported women. Each with over 180 various trades and their own unique stories. Watch as their daily lives are reenacted from the historical site, Tocal Homestead.

This project is supported by Create NSW’s Cultural Grant Program, a devolved funding program administered by the Royal Australian Historical Society on behalf of the NSW Government.

This project was possible thanks to generous funding from a Mt Owen/Glendell Open Cut Community grant.

The launch event will host speeches; a first-time viewing and catering will be provided by the local Country Women’s Association.

This is a free but ticketed event - bookings are essential.