Birrarung Wilam: A Story from Aboriginal Australia - Hardcover

by Aunty Joy Murphy (Author), Andrew Kelly (Author), Lisa Kennedy (Illustrator)

Travel along Melbourne's twisting Yarra River in a glorious celebration of Indigenous culture and Australia's unique flora and fauna.

As ngua rises, Bunjil soars over mountain ash, flying higher and higher as the wind warms. Below, Birrarung begins its long winding path down to palem warreen.

Yarra Riverkeeper Andrew Kelly and Aboriginal Elder of the Wurundjeri people Aunty Joy Murphy join to tell the Indigenous and geographical story of Melbourne's beautiful Yarra River -- from its source to its mouth and from its prehistory to the present day. The writing dazzles with poetic descriptions of the trees, plants, and wildlife that thrive in harmony along the iconic waterway. Lush and vibrant acrylic paintings from Indigenous illustrator Lisa Kennedy make the mighty Yarra come to life -- coursing under a starry sky, drawing people to its sunny shores, mirroring a searing orange sunset. Jewel-like details in the illustrations offer opportunities for discovery on every page. As gorgeous and powerful as the river itself, this stunner invites all to come to Wilam: home.

End matter includes an authors' note and a glossary of the Woiwurrung words used in the story.

Author Biography

Aunty Joy Murphy is a storyteller and writer who is passionate about using stories to bring people together and as a conduit for understanding Aboriginal culture. She is an Officer of the Order of Australia. She previously collaborated with Lisa Kennedy on Welcome to Country. Aunty Joy Murphy lives in Victoria, Australia.

Andrew Kelly is the Yarra Riverkeeper, part of an international organization of Riverkeepers. He has written numerous books for children and adults. He lives in Victoria, Australia.

Lisa Kennedy is a descendant of the Trawlwoolway people on the coast of Tasmania. Her work is marked by her experiences of both cultural and natural loss and reclamation. She lives in Victoria, Australia.