Black and white photograph, Swagman

Historical information

Swagman, travelling through the Lake Bolac district. These 'swaggies' often had regular, seasonal 'runs' which they would follow, returning to the same hamlets and farms at the same time every year to ask for minor chores in order to earn a meal or to obtain some flour, tea and sugar. After both wars, the numbers of swaggies increased as returned soldiers, who couldn't settle to (or couldn't find) regular employment, took to the roads.

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