Bidhi Galing is a picture story book inspired by Anita Heiss’ award winning novel Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray, so children, educators and families can share and learn from this important piece of Australian history together. Culture is Life are proud to have developed the accompanying education resources for Bidhi Galing in collaboration with Lead Writer, Shelley Ware.
Bidhi Galing is a beautiful and captivating story based on true events of the flood plains of Gundagai shared through the life of the main character Wagadhaany. This stunning picture story book pays tribute to the heroes Yarri and Jacky Jacky who saved many people from the Great Flood of 1852 in Gundagai.
All of the work and words within Anita Heiss’ novel Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray which led to Bidhi Galing, embody some of the values of the Wiradyuri people Anita thinks of when she writes about herngurambang (Country); values of yindyamarra (respect), murrumbang (love), ngumbadal (unity) and winhangagigilanha (caring for each other).
Wiradyuri values are about the community, not the individual, and when you look at the Wiradyuri word ‘ngumambinya’ (trust for help) it reminds us to rely on others for what is needed. To trust in reciprocity – and that you receive what you need when you need it, and when you are ready for it. And then you are in a place to give back to community, to others.
We hope Bidhi Galing and curriculum aligned education resources will encourage you to learn more about your local history, and the Aboriginal language of your own area, and moving forward incorporate this knowledge into your everyday life. Anita Heiss worked in consultation with her elders and senior cultural advisors when writing the novel Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray which inspired this version of the story.
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The 2025 Fellows just wrapped an incredible week in Garramilla on Larrakia Country, a week of reflection, storytelling, healing and deep connection with community and Country.
From Uncle Dr Richard Fejo’s Saltwater Ceremony, to SEWB learnings with Mark Nannup, values grounding with Aunty Steff, storytelling with Gen Grieves, visits to Children’s Ground and Minramana Community, and a beautiful bush medicine workshop with Aunty Cheryl, every day was packed with culture, growth and purpose.
We closed with a powerful circle led by Dr Carmen Cubillo and heartfelt ‘Who You?’ presentations that brought the cohort even closer.
Huge love to all our First Nations hosts and facilitators for welcoming us so generously.
❤️🤎🖤
Join award-winning filmmaker Rachel Perkins and esteemed historian Henry Reynolds at the launch of The Australian Wars book tomorrow night. After sold out launch events in Sydney and Melbourne, the conversation now heads to The Australian War Memorial on Ngunnawal Country in Canberra.
Rachel has long called for First Nations people who died in Frontier Wars conflicts – as well as colonists who were killed – to be officially recognised by this institution ❤️🖤🤎
Co-edited with Stephen Gapps, Mina Murray, and Henry Reynolds, this ground breaking book was conceived by Rachel Perkins following her award-winning documentary series of the same name, produced by Blackfella Films for SBS. 🎥✨
Image credit: Dylan River
@rachelperkinsau @allenandunwin @stephen.gapps @_mina.murray
📚 Launching The Australian Wars Book!
Huge congratulations to everyone involved in creating The Australian Wars book, being launched around the country this week!
Co-edited with Stephen Gapps, Mina Murray, and Henry Reynolds, the book was conceived by the incredible Rachel Perkins following her award-winning documentary series produced by Blackfella Films for SBS. 🎥✨
The book builds on the meticulous research conducted for the documentary series, and covers Frontier Wars battles across all the states and territories. It’s a hugely valuable resource for history teachers, and essential reading for all Australians to progress truth-telling in this country. ❤️🖤🤎
Look out for launch events happening in:
Gadigal Country (Sydney)
Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung Country (Melbourne)
Ngunnawal Country (Canberra) ... and hopefully more to come!
🔍Look it up! Don’t miss this important work.
@rachelperkinsau @allenandunwin @stephen.gapps @_mina.murray Henry Reynolds
Don’t miss this! Tomorrow night in Naarm!
We’re so proud that our Education Consultant and Fullaship Elder, Aunty Stephanie Armstrong OAM, will be in conversation with Mervyn Bishop and Tim Dobbyn to launch the illustrated biography; Black, White + Colour!
Mervyn Bishop took one of the most significant photos in Australian history: Gough Whitlam pouring a handfull of sand into the hands of Vincent Lingiari. As Australia’s first Aboriginal press photographer, his story is a must-hear.
Still a few tickets left - book via trybooking!
Avenue Bookstore, Elsternwick. It’s FREE!
Leyla is a proud Noongar woman who works to amplify the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in Victoria. From advocating for strength-based mentoring programs to representing young mob in key policy forums, her work is deeply rooted in community and cultural strength.
She is a graduate of the 2022 Fullaship Program, a three-time Melbourne Fashion Week model, and has represented Australia at the World Indigenous Suicide Prevention Conference. Having overcome immense adversity, Leyla is committed to breaking cycles and creating spaces for young people to see their worth, pursue their dreams, and step into opportunities that were never designed for them. Above all, she carries forward the values of love, care, and integrity instilled in her by her Nan, whose legacy she continues to honor in all that she does.
📣The school year is flying, but there’s still time to bring our 2025 NAIDOC Education Resources into your classroom!
Here’s a peak at some engaging activities for Early Learning to Year 10, aligned with this year’s theme, ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.’ Designed to be used all year round!
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Download Now: Find the official resources (developed by Culture is Life, National NAIDOC Committee, and ABC Education) on our website.
Share Your Voice: Used them already? We want to hear your experience! Complete our quick feedback survey.
🔗 Links in bio!
Professional development webinars for teaching The Australian Wars are now live on our YouTube channel! 📺
Access some of our best discussions anytime and share these essential resources with your colleagues ✨
Deepen your understanding and boost your confidence with Rachel Perkins and our team of Aboriginal educators! 🫶🏽
🔗 Link in bio!
Bek is a proud Wakaya woman, born and raised on Wadawurrung Country in Geelong. In recent years, she has lived and worked across Darwin, Brisbane, and now the Gold Coast.
At the heart of Bek’s work is a deep commitment to using her voice to empower others—especially young people—to embrace their power, identity, and creativity through the mediums that speak to them.
Fullaship Expressions of Interest Now Open!
👉🏽Link in bio
