Tom Foster was an Australian Aboriginal musician. A member of the Tharawal people, he was born in New South Wales and lived for some time on the mission at Le Perouse. He composed at least two spiritual songs which were performed for public occasions. The music was well-received in Christian circles. Foster was active in representing Aboriginal people. Foster married and had three sons, Fred, Amos and Tommy, who each continued his performing legacy. He died in Kingsford in December 1940.

Works

* 1930 My Thoughts * 1930 I'm Happy Today

Performances

In 1935, Foster entertained the Governor of New South Wales at a ball for charity. Foster's gum-Leaf band was regarded as famous at the 1935 celebration of the silver jubilee of King George V. Foster also promoted his Aboriginal culture through his use of boomerangs. A photograph of Foster demonstrating his boomerang technique is preserved in the National Library of Australia. Some of the boomerangs he manufactured are also preserved.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Foster, Tom 1870 births 1940 deaths Australian indigenous rights activists People from New South Wales Indigenous rights activists 20th-century Australian male musicians 20th-century Australian musicians Indigenous Australians in New South Wales Eora people Aboriginal peoples of New South Wales Indigenous Australian musicians