Miles Franklin award‑winning author Alexis Wright describes how a remote town in Australia dealt with the invasion of grog on their traditional lands. Wright describes the shocking effects of alcohol abuse and racism in this vivid portrayal of a small town fighting to bring about change.
Wright was commissioned by the Julalikari Council of Tennant Creek to write Grog War to document the enormous struggle it took to introduce some simple restrictions on alcohol in the town. Wright’s account of what happened over 10 years ago in the remote town of Tennant Creek is now repeating itself throughout north west Australia.
It is a controversial conversation. Should alcohol be restricted? Is this racist? Whose decision is it to make? With towns such as Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing putting alcohol restrictions in place with the backing and support of key community members, Wright’s story is more relevant than ever.
Aboriginal elders and community advisors fought for years to put alcohol restrictions in place and they are still fighting. Their courage and tenacity is an inspiration for other towns in northern Australia who are battling against the tide of alcohol abuse and resistance from licencees and the broader community.