Margaret Susan Brock, known as Peggy, was a renowned historian and educator who made a significant contribution to Colonial and First Nation history in Australia, the Pacific, Canada and Africa with particular advocacy for First Nations women. This contribution was recognised in 2021 when Peggy was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia.

Peggy was an Emeritus Professor in the School of Arts and Humanities at Edith Cowan University, elected a Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia, in 2005, elected Visiting Fellow at the University of Basel, Switzerland, in 2003 and elected Visiting Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, London University, in 2005. Peggy also served as a member of the South Australian Heritage Council.

From 1982 to 1989, Peggy was employed as Historian and Research Coordinator of the Aboriginal Heritage Branch SA before commencing her academic career at Edith Cowan University in 1991. She also contributed to the Historical Background to the South Australian Report of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, 1990.

Peggy Brock has published and edited over 10 books relating to First Nation History, along with publishing 17 book chapters and 18 articles in refereed Journals. Some of the major publications include: Poonindie - the Rise and Destruction of an Aboriginal Agricultural Community and Outback Ghettos which was co-authored with Dr Doreen Kartinyeri; Women, Rites & Sites - Aboriginal Women's Cultural Knowledge – the first publication to focus on First Nations women; Outback Ghettos. A History of Aboriginal Institutionalisation and Survival; Words and Silences. Aboriginal Women, politics and land; Yura and Udnyu: A history of the Adnyamathanha of the North Flinders Ranges; Many Voyages Arthur Wellington Clah: A Tshimshian Man on the Pacific Northwest Coast; Colonialism and its Aftermath - A history of Aboriginal South Australia – co-edited with Tom Gara; Indigenous evangelists and questions of authority in the British Empire, 1750-1940 with her husband Norman Etherington as one of the co-authors.

Fortunately for the South Australian Museum, Peggy commenced working as a volunteer and Honorary from 2014. Her expert knowledge and experience were invaluable when assisting researchers with their enquiries and providing provenance and context when processing archival collections.

Peggy will be remembered as an advocate for First Nations people and their history and for her generosity of spirit, consideration of others, and humility. Peggy will be sadly missed but through her contribution her memory will live on. She is survived by her husband Norm and family.

Our thoughts are with Peggy’s loved ones.

Tribute written by:
Fran Zilio, Manager Archives and Library, South Australian Museum
Lea Gardam, Archives Collection Manager, South Australian Museum

Image: © Museum Board of South Australia year 2019
Photographer: Lea Gardam