Libby Cameron
The Yarra — 1950’s
I grew up on the outskirts of Croydon, during the 1950’s. My family would go for outings to the Yarra River near Wonga Park.
I remember fishing with my father from the river bank — I have used Dad’s old fishing line — nylon and natural fibre (possibly linen) in my piece for The Long Yarra Quilt, as well as one of his fish hooks — now rusted and with little remaining of the once attractive lure.
I also remember wading in the water, jumping from one rock to another, the water shimmering in the sunlight. I always wore my white canvas sandshoes. I was told to stay close to the bank, where the water was reasonably shallow in amongst the rocks and not to go near the water further over where it ran fast and deep.
There was erosion on the opposite bank — not that I knew it as such back then. The farmer’s cows came down to drink and the bank was muddy with willows overhanging and a scant covering of grass — I call them weeds now.
Lib Lay
May 2005
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