OF all the history books I have written, the first ‘Broughton Islanders’, written in 2009, holds a special place.
Writing the book gave me the opportunity to meet many wonderful characters – sadly, as time determines, most are looking down from the big island in the sky.
It was the magnificent stories that I was told, on my regular visits to the island, that made me realise how much stories contribute to our identity as Australians.
I was driven to write the stories down, fearing that if I didn’t, they would be lost forever.
With all my books now in the State Library I can rest easy in the knowledge that the people and the stories will never be lost.
One of the many wonderful people I met while writing was Max Catsicas. Everyone I spoke to said: “You can’t write any book on Broughton Island until you talk to Max.” How true that was.
I drove to Lemon Tree Passage and from the time I met him I developed a genuine respect for a real pioneer, a humble gentleman who was excited that I was so keen to listen to his story.
Out came the old photos and the numerous yarns from his many years on the island.
I learnt that he was the son of a proud Greek fisherman, Nick Catsicas, who established a small community of other Greek fishers and lobstermen on the northern face of Broughton shortly after World War I.
Nick sailed to Broughton on board his boat “Lord Byron”, so named for his love of poetry. Young son Max accompanied his father to the island from the age of 18 months and he grew to love the island, the sea, the birdlife, the fishing and the freedom.
Max made a very special friend, another fisherman’s son around his age by the name of Lawrence Jensen.
Lawrence’s father was Jack Jensen, a Danish seaman and fisherman who moved into the small Greek community on the island.
The boys spent hours together exploring the island paradise that you only ever read about – catching fish and trapping rabbits, discovering caves and old wrecks of ships that had run aground.
Many years back when I completed my book, we all gathered at the Salamander Shores for the launch. Max did not know that I had invited Lawrence, who had travelled with his family from Orange in central western NSW.
When the two men recognised each other, shook hands and embraced, it was one of the most heartwarming experiences I have ever witnessed.
They hadn’t seen each other for 60 years.
Sadly, Max and Lawrence have moved on but their memories and stories will last for all time.
A magnificent chapter in the history of this country remains in the State Library for all to read and learn.
By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE
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