As an indentured servant with the Peel Scheme, John Thomas senior and his family arrived at the Swan River settlement in 1829 aboard the Gilmore. They and many other families were landed 5 miles south of Fremantle at a place which became known as Clarence.

Within months poor organization, dysentery, influenza, scurvy and starvation began to threaten the venture. By winter of 1830, 37 people had died and the scheme failed. The remainder of the family moved to Fremantle and began a lightering and transport business on the Swan River and out to ships anchored off shore.

Shipwrecks and personal tragedy continued to dog the family. Despite these setbacks the company expanded further and prevailed under Young John's leadership.

Much of the story takes place in Fremantle and the Murray District and on the water in boats and ships. Ravenswood Dreaming is an incredible story about the Thomas family's struggle in the face of adversity and personal tragedy. Their rise from labourers and boatmen to highly regarded citizens of Fremantle and the Murray district was accompanied by their emerging consciousness of the plight of the Aboriginal people.

"They, along the coast, along the rivers, and in the hinterland, led by such leaders as Yagan, Midgegooroo and Calyute, were fighting against overwhelming odds with spears, clubs and fire, for their survival, their culture and ownership of their traditional lands."