The effects of British colonization on the Aboriginal community as described in the book “Riding the Black Cockatoo” by John Danalis. I will be looking at the changes brought about by colonization, the effect they had on the original peoples, whether it was for better or for worse, and finally if any negative changes could be undone. Colonization can be defined as the process of sending colonists to set up a new community in a new area but retaining control in the home country. When the British commenced colonizing Australia in the 1770s, the way of life of the Aboriginals changed irrevocably and generally, this did not have a positive impact on the Aboriginals. True Blue by Peter Goldsworthy is a book about Australia and being Australian.” You once smiled a friendly smile, Said we were kin to one another, thus whith guile for a short while became to me a brother. Then you swamped my way of gladness, Took my children from my side” P90. This quote is trying to symbolize the British taking over Australia and then treating aboriginals in a irrevocable way It is only now that the white invaders have become fully aware of the impact of colonization. “Irrevocably” means that something or someone is changed without a means of reversing the change. When the British colonized Australia changes occurred to the life and culture of the Aboriginals which once done could never be changed. One example of this is the introduction of previously unknown diseases by the British colonists. The British had brought foreign and unknown diseases to Australia – until then a remote, isolated continent and then when they spread rapidly through the aboriginal population they killed 1/3 of the whole population. In the book “Riding the Black Cockatoo” there are many good examples regarding the impact of the British colonizers, “before contact, the Indigenous population was largely free of influenza, TB, Whooping cough, measles and most STDs.