Are there any Australians on this site?

Question

I was just wondering if 'Swag men' still exist in Australia, in the traditional sense. If not, what sort of era were they prevailant in?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Swagmen were the Australian equivalent of the US hobo or tramp. Sometimes alcoholic, sometimes with mental problems, sometimes on the run from the law or the wife. More prevalent in times of economic recession, like in the 1890s and 1930s. I have seen one but that was when I was a kid and that is getting to be a long time ago.

About 30 years ago there used to be one in north-western Queensland who would call in at various remote homesteads on a regular beat. He would cut a load of firewood or do similar work for a few meals and a few provisions. He was entirely trustworthy, except for the fact he used to steal used razor blades from safety razors, never new ones. Maybe he thought used ones were good enough for him. After a few days he would move on to the next place.

Some "swagmen" were actually full time itinerant workers going from one job to another on foot. In the late 19th century many of these men took to riding bicycles, later motorcycles, now they get around in cars. The swagman in the Waltzing Matilda" song was based on a sheep shearer.

One man I did meet went from small town to small town in an old light truck. He had some old machinery on the truck and used to sharpen saws, axes and knives and do other light metal work for a living.

Answer 2

I believe there are still some swag men in Australia who still wanders through the country making a living on what job they could find. However, they have also moved with the time and not necessarily walk around look "scruffy" with a swag and a billy. Better transport means they move around the place a lot quicker.

They are rare these days. The good economy and the good standard of living plus easy access to Centrelink support means most Australian can survive without having to be so "mobile".

Answer 3

There are still occasional swaggies but these days they are usually eccentrics. Swaggies were around in the late 19th century and the start of the 20th century but were most common in the Depression. Since WWII and the rise of the Welfare State, there has been less need for people to be on the road and there are easier ways of getting about than walking.

Answer 4

There is a Australian Yahoo Answers.

Just go to the bottom of the page, click the Aussie flag and itll take you there.

Once there look on the left side of the page for a box that says All English questions, Click the arrow and change to Aussie questions only.

Then ask yor question there.

Good luck.

Answer 5

I live in Australia and I've never seen swag men, they used to be around years ago, late 19th century.

Answer 6

lol... i think people who illegally camp on other people's propertys still exist... but im not sure they stick to the typical conventions of the stereotypical "swag man" with a bag of rotting meat for food and the like...