
cost: $18
To purchase this book please contact the museum. |
Geoff Hansen and Diane Menghetti, Caged: The First Half
Century of the Magnetic Island to Townsville Swim, Townsville Museum &
Historical Society, Townsville, 2004.
Geoff Hansen and
Diane Menghetti, Caged is the story of a major Townsville sporting event.
The swimming race from Magnetic Island to Townsville harbour began in 1954 when
three young men competed as part of Townsville's celebration of a visit by Queen
Elizabeth and her consort.
During the next fifty years distance swimmers
from all over Australia (including some of the champions of the 1960s) competed.
They swam in cages to ward off shark attacks - hence the name of this book.
At some times in the history of the race the event was the centrepiece of
spectacular carnivals. At others, the swim was an isolated, though always
well supported, festival.
This book tells the story of the competitors
and volunteers who have kept this unique sporting event alive for half a century. |