Tom Foster (1870–1940) 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 La Perouse. He composed at least two spiritual songs which were performed for public occasions.[1] The music was well-received in Christian circles.[2]
Foster was active in representing Aboriginal people.[3][4][5]
Foster married and had three sons, Fred, Amos and Tommy, who each continued his performing legacy.[6] He died in Kingsford in December 1940.[7]
In 1935, Foster entertained the Governor of New South Wales at a ball for charity.[9][10]
Foster's gum-Leaf band was regarded as famous at the 1935 celebration of the silver jubilee of King George V.[11]
Foster also promoted his Aboriginal culture through his use of boomerangs.[12][13]
A photograph of Foster demonstrating his boomerang technique is preserved in the National Library of Australia.[14]
Some of the boomerangs he manufactured are also preserved.[15]
^"The Australian Aborigines". Healesville And Yarra Glen Guardian. Victoria, Australia. 25 November 1939. p. 4. Retrieved 24 April 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
^"KNOCKIN' AROUND". The Propeller. Vol. XX, no. 1020. New South Wales, Australia. 26 September 1930. p. 7. Retrieved 24 April 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
^"FOR WOMEN". The Sydney Morning Herald. No. 30, 507. New South Wales, Australia. 12 October 1935. p. 9. Retrieved 24 April 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
^"Breuities". The Sun. No. 8034. New South Wales, Australia. 2 October 1935. p. 26 (LAST RACE EDITION). Retrieved 24 April 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
^"BOOMERANGS FOR LOS ANGELES". Referee. No. 2357. New South Wales, Australia. 25 May 1932. p. 12. Retrieved 24 April 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
