Book Launch: Dirrayawadha: Rise up

Award-winning Wiradyuri author Anita Heiss and Dinawan Dyirribang Uncle Bill Allen Jnr celebrated the launch of Dirrayawadha: Rise Up, a historical novel about resistance, resilience and love during the Australian (Frontier) Wars.

A series of Films were played during the week supported by Charles Sturt University.

• First Australians Episode 1: They Have Come to Stay

  • The history of Australia from an Indigenous people’’ perspective. Episode 1 starts with the arrival of the First Fleet in Sydney and to Bathurst. With guest speakers Dinawan Dyirribang Uncle Bill Allen Jnr, senior Wiradyuri Elder and descendant of Windradyne, and David Suttor, descendant of George Suttor from Brucedale, conversation facilitated by Jonathon Jones, Wiradyuri/Kamilaroi artist.

• The Drover’s Wife

  • A reimagining of Leah Purcell’s acclaimed play and Henry Lawson’s classic short story, The Drover’s Wife is a searing Australian Western with love, family, protection, survival, truth and racism at its heart.

    With a video message from Leah Purcell AM, award-winning actor, writer, singer, director and producer, and a proud Kuwa – Gunggari – Wakka Wakka Murri woman, and a conversation with Wirribee Aunty Leanna Carr and Maureen ‘Noddy’ Bates-Mackay facilitated by Arlia Fleming.

• The Dark Emu Story

  • A thought-provoking documentary telling the story of Bruce Pascoe’s Dark Emu, the publishing phenomenon that challenged Australia to rethink its history and ignited a raging debate. With guest speaker Bruce Pascoe, a Bunurong, Yuin and Tasmanian man and award winning author, in conversation with Jonathon Jones.

• The Australian Wars Episode 3

  • In this landmark documentary series, filmmaker Rachel Perkins journeys across the country to give voice to the story of the Australian (Frontier) Wars. In this episode we were taken to Northern Australia, where the frontier expansion was conducted by the newly formed colonial governments of Australia. This series swept the Australian film awards, winning top honours across all categories including the Logie for Best Documentary Series. With guest speaker Rachel Perkins, who discussed the making of the film with Jonathon Jones.