The Protector

The Protector is a thoughtful study of Aboriginal issues for all Australians and will have special meaning for South Australians, many of whom will discover the origins of familiar place names.

Set in Colonial Adelaide and its environs during the years 1839 to 1841, The Protector records and explores the relationships between Aboriginal and European residents of a unique British Colony. While both government and many settlers aspired to a fair and just treatment of the land's traditional owners, frontier conflicts inevitably occurred.

'The Protector' is Dr Matthew Moorhouse, an idealistic young Englishman sent by Britian's Colonial Commisioners to be the first full-time official whose sole duty was to "protect the rights of the Native people." His first two years in this role prove to be two of the most dramatic in the colony's history. As he comes to grips with the challenges of his harsh new South Australian environment Matthew must also suffer two long years of separation from his beloved fiancée, Mary.

This is a story of the clash of cultures between indigenous Australians and British settlers in early South Australia, and one man's quiet, but not always successful determination to see justice done. When missionary Teichelmann asks, " Why have a Protector if we cannot convert the Natives to Christianity?"
"To protect them from insult," Moorhouse replies, jabbing Teichelmann in the chest with a forefinger. 'To protect them from insult, Pastor!'