The Truth About the Telegraph

The Overland Telegraph Line connected Australia to the world and has been celebrated as a great technological achievement. But the people who belong to this Country — including Kaytetye and Warumungu people — have another story to tell.

The Truth About the Telegraph is a groundbreaking short film and truth-telling project, produced by GARUWA and directed by Kieran Mpetyane Satour (Baloch, Gurindji/Malngin, Pertame Arrernte and Worimi). It reveals the profound impacts of the Overland Telegraph Line (OTL) on First Nations people in Central Australia, through the voices of the Kaytetye and Warumungu communities. Featuring storytellers Tommy “Walkabout” Jangala (Kaytetye), Kumanjayi Thompson (Kaytetye), Ross Jakamarra Williams (Warumungu), and Joseph Jungarayi Williams (Warumungu), the film is a story of displacement, resilience, and enduring connection to Country.

Hailed as a triumph of technology that connected Australia to the world, the Overland Telegraph Line and the communities of settlers it introduced was a significant frontier in the colonisation of Australia.

Directed by Kieran Mpetyane Satour, The Truth About the Telegraph delves into the disruptions caused by the Telegraph Line through the stories of Kaytetye and Warumungu peoples and their encounters with the stations as sites of an originary frontier violence.

Placed in the heart of Central Australia, the film transports viewers beyond a colonial history determined by settlers and their exploitation through marking Country with wires and poles. It reveals a complex tapestry of testimony that unearths a narrative of cultural displacement, resilience, enduring connection to Country and survival in the face of rapid societal shifts. Featuring storytellers Tommy “Walkabout” Jangala (Kaytetye), Kumanjayi Thompson (Kaytetye), Ross Jakamarra Williams (Warumungu) and Joseph Jungarayi Williams (Warumungu).

Filmed on the traditional lands of the Kaytetye and Warumungu Nations.

Always was, always will be.

Important notice

The film, The Truth About the Telegraph, has been temporarily removed from this webpage out of respect for cultural sensitivities and to allow us to consult with the family of an individual featured in the work who has recently passed away.

We are committed to handling this matter with care and will update this space once we have further guidance. Thank you for your understanding.

Film Credits

Storytellers (in order of appearance):

Tommy “Walkabout” Jangala (Kaytetye) Kumanjayi Thompson (Kaytetye) Ross Jakamarra Williams (Warumungu) Joseph Jungarayi Williams (Warumungu)

Director, Executive Producer & Writer: Kieran Mpetyane Satour (Baloch, Gurindji/Malngin, Pertame Arrernte and Worimi) Executive Producer: Ramona Telecican Producers: Jamie Lee Bolger (Noonuccal) and Maya Ghattas Impact Producer: Simone Mugavin Director of Photography: Ryan Andrew Lee Editor: Sean McDermott Original Music and Sound Design: Jai Pyne Graphics: Rah Dakota Translations: Phillip Janima (Kaytetye) Linguist (Kaytetye): Professor Myfany Turpin

Song: Arelpe, performed by Tommy “Walkabout” Jangala (Kaytetye)

Special thanks to the Kaytetye and Warumungu people & families who shared their stories for this film:

Phillip Janima Valentine Ngapete Shaw The Shaw family

Special thanks to those who shared their family history for this project:

Elizabeth Napaljarri Katakarinja (Western Arrernte and Warlpiri) Marie Elena Ellis (Arrernte and Warlpiri) Warren H Williams (Western Arrernte, Central Arrernte and Warumungu)

Special thanks to all the people who contributed to the research for this project:

Professor Genevieve Bell, Maureen Nampijinpa O’Keefe (Kaytetye and Warlpiri), Olivia Nigro, Sammy Wilson (Yankunytjatjara), Serena Barton, Shaun Angeles (Penangke, Kungarakany, and Arrernte), Theresa Penangke Alice (Arrernte), Tisha Perrurle Carter (Anmatjere) and the mob at Running Water Community Press

Storytellers in Conversation

Hear Vanessa Morris, host of Banksia on Triple R, moderate a powerful conversation with some of the creators behind The Truth About the Telegraph, including the film's director Kieran Satour and proud Kaytetye Elder, storyteller, educator, and community leader, Valentine Shaw.