The life of Ruby Langford Ginibi is a story of triumph against the odds.

She was born on a mission station in Coraki, NSW, and her mother left the family when Langford was six years old. At the age of 16, she embarked on the first of four tumultuous relationships and went on to raise nine children, variously working as a fencer, cleaner and machinist. Three of her children died, and one son has spent almost half his life in correctional institutions. In 1984, after overcoming an alcohol addiction, Langford wrote her autobiography Don't Take Your Love to Town, which won the 1988 Human Rights Literary Award, followed by Real Deadly (1992) and My Bundjalung People (1994). Her books are now studied in Australian high schools and universities.

A Film Australia National Interest Program. © National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.

A note on the definition of this title: The NFSA is pleased to be able to share this title on NFSA Player. This film is in SD as the digital preservation of original material and remastering to HD is part of the ongoing work of archives in a digital age. However, we didn’t want to wait to share this remarkable film with you. We thank you for your understanding.