News

"Growing Up Wiradjuri" Book Launch

10 October 2022

Congratulations to some of our wonderful Elders for their successful book launch!

Working with Dr Anita Heiss and Magabala books Aunty Lorraine Tye, Aunty Elaine Lomas, Aunty Cheryl Penrith, Uncle Stan Grant Sr, Uncle James Ingram, Aunty Mary Atkinson, Aunty Isabel Reid, and Uncle Norman Little, have had their stories published in a book by publisher Magabala Books.

We are so excited and proud of them for this huge achievement and thank them for sharing their stories with us all!

(Aunty Lorraine Tye, Aunty Cheryl Penrith, Aunty Mary Atkinson, Aunty Isabel Reid, and local Wagga community members)

The Aunty's had a book signing on Thursday from 11am to 1pm at Collins Bookstore where they signed over 65 books! Collins Bookstore said it was one of, or the largest, Author signings they have ever had here in Wagga. Such a testament to how amazing the Elders are and how important a book like Growing Up Wiradjuri is to both the Indigenous and non-Indigenous community here in Wagga Wagga.

(Aunty Cheryl signing a copy of Growing Up Wiradjuri)

(Dr Anita Heiss, Aunty Lorraine Tye, Aunty Cheryl Penrith, Aunty Mary Atkinson, Aunty Isabel Reid, and family members)

It was great to see 7 news there to interview the Aunty's and the Aunty's did such an amazing job - they're such superstars!

The official launch event was held at The Gardens at the Botanic Gardens in Wagga Wagga and was attended by well over 100 people.

It began with a smoking ceremony by Luke Wighton and then Letitia Harris sung in Wiradyuri language.

(Luke Wighton and Aunty Lorraine Tye)

Aunty Isabel Reid gave a beautiful Welcome to Country

(Aunty Isabel Reid and Dr Anita Heiss)

The event was MC'd by Dr Anita Heiss but the book was officially launched by proud Wiradyuri man Luke Carrol. Luke also accompanied proud Wiradyuri Gamilaraay singer and songwriter, Sharon Bell, when she sung the song Stomp in Wiradyuri language and English. They had previously performed this song together on Play School, and it was a big hit with the kids but also the adults in attendance!

(Luke Carrol and Sharon Bell)

What an absolutely beautiful launch and such a great celebration of our Elders and the Wiradyuri community. Thank you to the Elders, Magabala Books, Dr Anita Heiss, and Leanne and Shanae from Visual Dreaming, for organising the event.

(Leanne Sanders and Shanae Pope of Visual Dreaming with Luke Carrol)