Join award-winning historian Clare Wright in conversation with Shireen Morris for a fascinating discussion of Naku Dharuk: The Bark Petitions. The third and final volume in Clare’s Democracy trilogy, it explores the 1963 Yirrkala Bark Petitions – text that was delivered to Parliament by the Yolŋu people, which ultimately became the very first time that Indigenous relationships to Country were recognised by the Australian government.

Clare and Shireen discuss the profound significance of these documents – a powerful assertion of sovereignty and a foundational moment in the Australian Indigenous land rights movement. This promises to be a truly powerful and illuminating discussion, exploring this historic intersection of art, law, and resistance, revealing a vital chapter in national history.

Debra Dank, Steve Vizard & Clare Wright. Moderator: Ginger Gorman

It is time to take an unflinching look at questions around identity and history that Australia has long grappled with. Debra Dank presents Terraglossia and examines the linguistic colonisation that European arrival brought with it. Steve Vizard delves into the creation of the myth of Gallipoli in Nation, Memory, Myth. And Clare Wright examines how the course of Australian democracy was changed in Naku Dharuk: The Bark Petitions.

It’s been two decades since The Secret River was released, a landmark book exploring colonial history that was then transformed into a smash-hit stage play and mini series. Now in Unsettled, celebrated author Kate Grenville returns to the site of the Hawkesbury River and the rich terrain of her family history.

But this celebrated Australian author has been plenty busy in between. From the Women’s Prize shortlisted Restless Dolly Maunder, a reimagining of the life of Kate’s grandmother; to A Room Made of Leaves which speculates an alter-ego for historical figure Elizabeth Macarthur; and much more besides, there is so much to dip our curious oars into.

At this exhilarating evening event, we chart a course through Kate Grenville’s incredible life and literary works alongside conversation host and historian Clare Wright. It is all the more significant as our venue sits beside Broken Bay and the mouth of the mighty Hawkesbury, where it all began. We hope you can join us.

Please note:

• Doors at 5:30pm

• Seating is unallocated

• There will be a licensed pop-up bar onsite, only alcohol purchased from the bar at the event may be consumed at the event site. You must be aged 18 years or over to purchase and/or consume alcohol on the event site and you must provide photographic identification documents to purchase

• Bookseller Umina Beach Book Nook will be onsite to sell books, which can be signed by the authors after the event.

Every family has their secrets – but what happens when a writer dives into the family archive to uncover and share those stories with the world?

In this live episode of Archive Fever podcast, co-hosts Yves Rees and Clare Wright are joined by Lech Blaine and Anne-Marie Te Whiu to probe the promise and pitfalls of working with stories close to home. Why dig up the family skeletons? How do you navigate the minefield of the truth about loved ones and forebears? And what does journeying into family history do to the writer themself? 

Stella Prize–winning historian Clare Wright’s democracy trilogy comes to a close with Ṉäku Dhäruk The Bark Petitions: How the People of Yirrkala Changed the Course of Australian Democracy.   

This account traces the history of the land rights movement in Australia from the petition’s creation by the Yolŋu of north-east Arnhem Land in 1963 to this founding document’s place in Australian democracy. A feat of scholarship and a propulsive read, this book is a testament to the endurance of First Nations people and a must-read for understanding our country.

Hear Clare tell the whole story in conversation with Barrie Cassidy. 

The fight for First Nations rights in Australia is ongoing, most recently frustrated by the lost 2023 Voice to Parliament referendum.

Indigenous leader and author Thomas Mayo’s newest work, Always Was, Always Will Be: The Campaign for Justice and Recognition Continues, is a guidebook to action for Indigenous recognition and a rallying cry for those working to close the gap.

Historian Clare Wright’s conclusion to her democracy trilogy, Näku Dhäruk The Bark Petitions: How the People of Yirrkala Changed the Course of Australian Democracy, tells the story of how the Yolŋu of Arnhem Land created the Yirrkala Bark Petitions in 1963 and gave birth to the land rights movement.

Join Thomas and Clare as they explore these important struggles and what we can learn from them. With host Lorena Allam.

Our second event in the 2025 Book+Author series sees us return to Bard's Apothecary.

Curated and hosted by Dr Yves Rees, the series showcases new books from some of Australia’s most exciting historians. 

This atmospheric downstairs bar is a wonderful CBD venue for intimate literary and cultural events. (We regret that the venue is not wheelchair accessible.) Grab a drink at the bar before or after the event to make the most of your night! The event space will open at 5.30, half an hour before the scheduled conversation.

Our partners from the Paperback Bookshop will be there as usual to sell books, and the author will be happy to sign your copy.

Cold-blooded killers, grief-stricken widows, famous artists, independent women with sharp minds and large fortunes and a cap doffed to Jane Austen’s 250th birthday.  Do you love historical crime fiction?  Top-shelf literary fiction? 

The first Launches at the Library for 2025 has it all!

Come hear the authors of Miss Caroline Bingley, Private Detective, Kelly Gardiner and Sharmini Kumar, along with the author of Diving, Falling, Kylie Mirmohamadi, as we celebrate the publication of these outstanding books, in conversation with Stella Prize winning novelist, Carrie Tiffany.

Launches at the Library are curated and hosted by Prof Clare Wright, Professor of Public Engagement, and supported by the Office of the Vice-Chancellor.

Light refreshments available. 

The School Locker will also be selling these books at the event. 

Catch up on previous Launches @ the Library via the Literary La Trobe podcast (wherever you get your podcasts from)

In this returning series of conversations, we invite authors to share how they interrogate tough topics in their writing lives. Mark Dapin and Clare Wright challenge some great Australian myths and their long-lasting hold on our identity. Hosted by Catherine McKinnon.

In his newest book Always Was, Always Will Be, Thomas Mayo investigates ‘what’s next?’ for reconciliation and justice in Australia after the failed Voice to Parliament referendum. Thomas speaks with Clare Wright about lessons from the past, a path towards the future, and the new generation of Indigenous leaders who are ready, resilient, and hopeful.

This event will be live streamed. Details for the Zoom event will be emailed to you after 8.00am AEST on the day of the event. If you have not received this information prior to the event please check your spam folder.

In 1963—a year of agitation for civil rights worldwide—the Yolŋu of northeast Arnhem Land created the Yirrkala Bark Petitions: Naku Dharuk. ‘The land grew a tongue’ and the land-rights movement was born. The final book in Clare Wright’s historical trilogy tells the story of how the people of Yirrkala changed the course of Australian Democracy. Hosted by Jock Serong.

Amy McQuire, Anna Spargo-Ryan (live stream) and Clare Wright

When some of the institutions fundamental to democracy are struggling both here and overseas, when it feels like progress is slipping and hard-won rights are being wound back, how can the power of writing show us a way forward? Amy McQuire, Clare Wright and Anna Spargo-Ryan offer ideas for working our way out of some of the wicked problems of our time, in discussion with chair Alice Grundy.

Professor Clare Wright discusses her latest work with Kerry O’Brien. Näku Dhäruk: The Bark Petitions is the story of a founding document in Australian democracy and the birth of the landrights movement.

Director's Choice: This session can be streamed at home for $15 as part of the Director's Choice series. Find out more and purchase livestream access HERE.

Clare Wright is an award-winning historian, author, broadcaster and public commentator who has worked in politics, academia and the media. She is currently Professor of History and Professor of Public Engagement at La Trobe University. Clare is the author of the bestselling Beyond the Ladies Lounge: Australia’s Female Publicans (2003) and The Forgotten Rebels of Eureka (2013). Her latest book is Ṉäku Dhäruk: The Bark Petitions. 

Kerry O’Brien is an Australian journalist based in Byron Bay. He is the former editor and host of The 7.30 Report and Four Corners on the ABC. Kerry has also been awarded six Walkley Awards during his career. 

In this special live recording of Hey History! host Axel Clark asks historians Clare and Anna how historical objects can help us learn history.

What can a piece of ochre tell us about Australia’s Deep Time History? Can an old gold pan help us to hear the past? We’ll look at how museums decide what objects to include in their collections, and how everyday objects all around us can link us to people from the past. You might even have a special object in your family from the past you’d like to tell us about!

Suitable for ages 8-12. Years 3-6

Step into the captivating world of history as Professor Clare Wright and Professor Frank Bongiorno come together for an illuminating conversation about Clare's latest book “Näku Dhäruk: The Bark Petitions” and her groundbreaking body of work.

Known for her sharp insights and evocative storytelling, Clare Wright has redefined how we view Australia's past. From the hidden stories of women who shaped the nation's identity to unearthing pivotal moments that echo into today, her work is a treasure trove of discovery. Most recently, Clare has been appointed the new Chair of the National Museum of Australia Council.

Joining Clare is Professor Frank Bongiorno, an esteemed historian renowned for his eloquent analyses of Australia's social and political evolution. Together, they’ll delve into the themes, challenges, and triumphs that have defined Clare's career, offering a behind-the-scenes look at her latest masterpiece, the final instalment of her Democracy Trilogy.

Expect thought-provoking dialogue, rich anecdotes, and a celebration of the power of history to inform the future. Whether you're a lifelong history enthusiast or curious about the stories that shape our world, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Come ready to be inspired, challenged, and deeply moved. Reserve your spot now and be part of this remarkable exchange between two titans of historical storytelling!

There will be a Q&A session following the presentation, then light refreshments.
MCH members $15; Concession (Gov’t support and full-time students) $15; Non-members $20

Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/CXZJR

Join award-winning author and professor of history Clare Wright in this free webinar discussing her landmark new book, Näku Dhäruk The Bark Petitions: How the people of Yirrkala changed the course of Australian democracy.

In 1963—a year of agitation for civil rights worldwide—the Yolŋu of northeast Arnhem Land created the Yirrkala Bark Petitions: Näku Dhäruk. ‘The land grew a tongue’ and the land-rights movement was born.

Näku Dhäruk is the story of a founding document in Australian democracy and the trailblazers who made it. It is also a pulsating picture of the ancient and enduring culture of Australia’s first peoples.

And it is a masterful, groundbreaking history.

Clare Wright’s Democracy Trilogy began with The Forgotten Rebels of Eureka and continued with You Daughters of Freedom. It concludes with this compulsively readable account of a momentous episode in our shared story.

Australia's Biggest Book Club is brought to you by the Australia Institute.

La Trobe University Press is delighted to invite you to celebrate the book launch of Robert Manne: A Political Memoir on Thursday 28 November 2024.

The event is supported by Readings and will be hosted by La Trobe Professor of Public Engagement, Professor Clare Wright OAM, featuring guest speakers Glyn Davis, Raimond Gaita, Martin Krygier and Anne Manne.

Date: Thursday 28 November

Time: 6.30pm (Doors open at 6.00pm with light refreshments)

Location: CO.AS.IT.,199 Faraday St Carlton VIC 3053

RSVP: Tickets are limited - please confirm your attendance by emailing publicity@blackincbooks.com by Friday 15 November.

**Please note: You must RSVP to attend this event.

Join us for a screening of Bob Brown’s documentary The Giants which explores the intertwined fates of trees and humans. Followed by a Q&A with Bob Brown, co-directors and Clare Wright.

From the land-rights movement, to Treaty borne from the ashes of an unsuccessful referendum, Clare Wright (Naku Dharuk The Bark Petitions) and Inala Cooper (Marrul) discuss the long, powerful history of First Nations sovereignty and activism. With Tom Griffiths they will discuss the Yirrkala Bark Petitions and what this founding document can teach us about Australian democracy as we journey towards Treaty. 

Join Clare Wright and Thomas Mayo as they discuss Naku Dharuk The Bark Petitions.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In 1963—a year of agitation for civil rights worldwide—the Yolŋu of northeast Arnhem Land created the Yirrkala Bark Petitions: Naku Dharuk. ‘The land grew a tongue’ and the land-rights movement was born.

Naku Dharuk is the story of a founding document in Australian democracy and the trailblazers who made it. It is also a pulsating picture of the ancient and enduring culture of Australia’s first peoples. 

And it is a masterful, groundbreaking history.

Clare Wright’s Democracy Trilogy began with The Forgotten Rebels of Eureka and continued with You Daughters of Freedom. It concludes with this compulsively readable account of a momentous episode in our shared story.  

Clare Wright’s Democracy Trilogy is completed with the story of how the people of Yirrkala changed the course of Australian Democracy.

In 1963—a year of agitation for civil rights worldwide—the Yolŋu of northeast Arnhem Land created the Yirrkala Bark Petitions: Naku Dharuk. ‘The land grew a tongue’ and the land-rights movement was born.

Naku Dharuk is the story of a founding document in Australian democracy and the trailblazers who made it. It is also a pulsating picture of the ancient and enduring culture of Australia’s first peoples. And it is a masterful, groundbreaking history.

Clare Wright’s Democracy Trilogy began with The Forgotten Rebels of Eureka and continued with You Daughters of Freedom. It concludes with this compulsively readable account of a momentous episode in our shared story.

Clare Wright will be in conversation with Associate Professor Julie McIntyre.

Join us for wine, snacks, and great chat at the launch of Clare Wright OAM's latest book, Naku Dharuk The Bark Petitions: How the People of Yirrkala Changed the Course of Australian Democracy. Clare will be in conversation with Professor Jane Lydon discussing her book already described as 'A masterpiece' (Thomas Mayo). 

About the Book

In 1963—a year of agitation for civil rights worldwide—the Yolŋu of northeast Arnhem Land created the Yirrkala Bark Petitions: Näku Dhäruk. ‘The land grew a tongue’ and the land-rights movement was born.

Näku Dhäruk is the story of a founding document in Australian democracy and the trailblazers who made it. It is also a pulsating picture of the ancient and enduring culture of Australia’s first peoples. 

And it is a masterful, groundbreaking history.

Before British colonisation, there were more than 250 languages spoken on this continent. Less than half survive today, and most of them are under threat. In a live episode of their hit podcast, Archive Fever, historians Yves Rees and Clare Wright are joined by special guests Cheryl Leavy and Paul Girrawah House to discuss orality as archive: how language helps us know the past and why the work of language revitalisation – bringing languages back to life – is so vital to the future.

Christos Tsiolkas is one of Australia’s most beloved and provocative novelists, and he is beloved because of his provocations. That’s a rare form of admiration in this tall poppy chopping country. Christos’s latest book, The In Between, is a love story; a tender tale of mid-life solace. It’s his most gentle, earnest book to date, and it may be his best. In this special event, Christos reflects on his life on - and off - the page with friend, and fellow Melburnian, Clare Wright.  

How did Australians come to have a political voice? Stella Prize-winning historian, Clare Wright, has spent more than two decades tracing this question through artefacts and archives. The result is a groundbreaking, three-volume masterpiece - The Democracy Trilogy - a milestone in Australian political storytelling. Join Clare and Barrie Cassidy, as they discuss the latest and final volume of the trilogy - Näku Dhäruk - the tale of the Yirrkala Bark Petitions, founding documents in Australian democracy.

In the early 1850s, the discovery of gold in Victoria drew thousands to places like Ballarat in search of fortune. Amidst strict licensing fees and terrible living conditions – and as the gap grows between the haves and the have-nots – prospector Peter Lalor (Chips Rafferty) assumes leadership of the Ballarat Reform League and leads a rebellion against the state government. 

At the time of production, Eureka Stockade ranked among the most expensive films shot in Australia. This ‘Australian Western’ contributed to keeping the legend of the Eureka Stockade alive in the national memory.  

Presented in partnership with Canberra Writers Festival. 

Join us for a post-screening discussion with Professor Clare Wright OAM, award-winning historian, broadcaster and author of The Forgotten Rebels of Eureka. The discussion will be moderated by The Australian film critic Stephen Romei. 

Presented on 35mm film prints from the NFSA collection.  

Join us for an event featuring acclaimed author Clare Wright OAM, Patron of the PMI Victorian History Library. She will discuss her latest book, which delves into the pivotal year of 1963. During this time, leaders of the Yolngu clans, in collaboration with their white allies, embarked on an unprecedented political journey that led to the presentation of four Bark Petitions to the Federal Parliament. <> "Naku Dharuk The Bark Petitions" offers a compelling narrative of a foundational document in Australian democracy and the individuals behind it. Clare Wright's meticulous research and vivid storytelling bring to life the rich and enduring culture of Australia’s first peoples, highlighting their ongoing resilience and influence.

Bookings are essential.

Respected historians Clare Wright and Mark Dapin describe the excitement and challenges of diving into historical records to expose truths that often make people feel uncomfortable about the past, as explored in Clare’s new book Naku Dharuk The Bark Petitions and Mark’s Lest: Australian War Myths. With Hilary Harper.

Clare Wright, author of Naku Dharuk The Bark Petitions, chats with historian Anna Clark.

Anna's new book is a personal account of her love of ‘the catch’ and an exploration of how fishing became a national pastime. Anna delves into favourite fishing spots, the passing down of fishing know-how, Indigenous fishing practices, and why we love ‘throwing a line’.

Join us to hear Clare Wright in conversation about her latest book, Naku Dharuk: The Bark Petitions.

This is the story of a founding document in Australian democracy and the people who made it. It paints a vibrant picture of the profound and ancient culture of Australia's first peoples, in all its continuing vigour.

Clare Wright's groundbreaking Democracy Trilogy began with The Forgotten Rebels of Eureka (workers' rights) and continued with You Daughters of Freedom (women's rights). After a decade of research and community consultation, it concludes, fittingly, with a fascinating and compulsively readable account of a momentous but little-known episode in our shared political history.

Tickets are $10 per person, redeemable on purchases of Naku Dharuk: The Bark Petitions on the night of the event.

Please book here.