Full house for conversation about the history of Australia
Over 100 people attended the book talk and conversation with eminent historian Mark McKenna at St John’s Church in Moruya on Saturday 24th January.
McKenna’s ‘The Shortest History of Australia – The history of Australia has been written before – but not like this’ was published in November as part of a series of ‘The Shortest History of…’ by Black Inc Publishing.
The ‘conversation’ was part of the ongoing ‘Travelling Together project in conjunction with Moruya Books.
‘Travelling Together’ explores the question: How do we as people living on Yuin land, deepen our understanding and connection in two ways?
‘Travelling Together’ is a community project that seeks to create opportunities for First and Second Nations people to grow in relationship, to deepen understanding and connection in two ways through sharing stories, food and deep listening. Throughout 2026, a series of open, exploratory conversations will take place, organised by the Moruya Commons Council alongside First Nations people.
The project is funded through the Investing in Rural Communities Futures program by FRRR (Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal) as a response to a desire for stronger cross-cultural relationships and deeper respect that is embedded in the culture, place and people of Walbunja, Brinja-Yuin and Djiringanj (Eurobodalla), of the Yuin Nation.
After a welcome to country acknowledging the Walbunja, Brinja-Yuin, Djiringanj people of the Yuin Nation by Uncle Bunja Smith, Frank Ross discussed the book with the author.
McKenna described his intention of writing something different from the regular narrative of Australian history by using chapters of history from different places, times and perspectives.
Questions from the floor included topics of the idea of Australia Day, Tony Armstrong ABC show ‘Always was tonight’, the current situation with regard to a Republic reflecting on the new reality with a majority of citizen being born overseas or parents born overseas.
Linda Chapman from Moruya Commons said “It was a terrific way to launch the Travelling Together project and a wonderful event in its own right. I think that Mark has given us a very helpful frame to proceed. Namely, that without disowning or denying all the shocking wounds of colonisation, we have one shared history albeit with many different stories.”
Stephanie Chui asks that anyone who is interested in keeping up to date with the Travelling Together project, or would like to be a part of it in some way to email: stephaniechiu.studio@gmail.com
>>> About the Shortest History of Australia >>>
The Shortest History of Australia
The history of Australia has been written before – but not like this.
In The Shortest History of Australia, Mark McKenna offers a compelling new version of our national story. This is a modern Australia permeated by First Nations history; a multicultural society with an island mindset; a continent of epic beauty and extreme natural events; a country obsessed by war abroad but blind to its founding war at home; and a thriving nation-state still to realise its political independence.
McKenna’s wise and humane history reveals the surprising in the familiar, and reframes the past so we can see the present more clearly.
Praise for The Shortest History of Australia
‘A deeply imaginative, beautifully written, individual and original book’ —Robert Manne
‘In this remarkable book, Mark McKenna offers a concise yet richly layered portrait of Australia. Thoughtful, reflective and inclusive, The Shortest History of Australia doesn’t flatten the past into a single story, but traces the many threads – First Nations, settler, migrant – that have shaped the nation. With great sensitivity, McKenna also ensures that the country itself – the land, its extremes and its beauty – is a character, shaping the Australian spirit as much as any historical force. He explores both the tensions that remain and the spirit that endures, offering readers a deeply humane and optimistic account of who we are and how we came to be.‘ —Larissa Behrendt
‘Mark McKenna’s The Shortest History of Australia found a new way to trace this continent of ours. With every page, the kaleidoscope shifted and a new way of seeing emerged.’ —Patrick Mullins, Australian Book Review
‘The Shortest History of Australia has impressive breadth. Somehow in its pages not only is a history told but yesteryear’s jingoistic myths are dispelled.’ —The Saturday Paper
‘McKenna’s approach to writing the past, present and future of Australia is deeply considered and precisely crafted.’ —Readings
‘This is a sensitive and scrupulous account that says the cliches about Australian history are failures of imagination.’ —The Age
