Nicholas Rothwell, in "On Fragment and Dust" (September), writes adoringly of many places and people. He calls Gendle Schrader "one of the most dedicated" of those who, in his romantic view, "dedicated themselves in the struggle for Aboriginal rights". Isn't it strange, then, that after more than 30 years of "advisers" in remote Aboriginal communities, these people's lives and business are still under the helm of others?

I wonder if Rothwell is familiar with the Four Corners program aired on 29 May 2006, or the Australian feature by Michelle Wiese Bockmann titled "Just Lending a Hand" (29 June 2006)? Each should give pause for thought. There is always more to the story than meets the eye, and what lies beneath is usually much closer to the truth! I too have worked in far north South Australia with the Pitjantjatjara people.