'People in Australia's Past - 2nd Ed - Stories & Activities' contains twenty stories of people who shaped Australian history. Some, like Mary Reibey and James Ruse arrived as convicts with immense difficulties to overcome. On the other hand, women like Elizabeth Macarthur, Elizabeth Macquarie and Caroline Chisholm came as free settlers, and seeing problems in society, set out to bring change and progress.Other history-makers were native born Australians like David Unaipon, Edith Cowan, John Flynn, Eddie Mabo and Charles Perkins who saw injustice and devoted their time and energy to bring progress in the fields of health, education and law reform. Edmund Barton, Australia's first Prime Minister, was a tireless advocate for the development of Australia's Constitution. 'People in Australia's Past' 2nd edition, has the addition of the important stories of Oodgeroo Noonuccal and Vincent Lingiari who advanced the rights of Aboriginal Australians.Some famous Australians gained recognition through their discoveries or abilities. Douglas Mawson was an explorer who collected valuable scientific information in Antarctica. Charles Kingsford Smith set world records in flying across Australia and around the globe. Banjo Paterson is remembered for his unique stories of life in the Australian bush and for his celebrated song: 'Waltzing Matilda'. Dame Nellie Melba was Australia's first superstar, world famous for her beautiful voice.The stories relate to history topics of the Australian Curriculum, for primary school levels and are accompanied by language and research activities including crosswords, map activities, discussion topics, models for writing information texts. Answers to language activity are also included.