"Dirrarn" By Carl Merrison & Hakea Hustler
Mia could hear the squarks of her Jarriny before she saw them. Her eye’s had flicked to the sky in search of the passing dirrarn but soon realized the noise was from the bird just beyond the gate.
We first met Mia in Black Cockatoo, as she navigated her way through culture, Country and familial ties. Dirrarn follows Mia as she finds herself at boarding school and the challenges of living thousands of kilometres away from home, family, and the big sky country she loves. Mia along with her best friend, Naya, negotiate new friends, new ways of thinking and new ways of being in a different world. As Mia wrestles with all that is unfamilar, she soon must learn to stand in her truth when confronted with unending challenges.
The dirrarn (black cockatoo) is Mia’s totem animal. It provides her with the strength and freedom to stay connected to her world, even when she is a long way from home. It is this totem she draws upon. Dirrarn is a sensitive story on the power of place, personality and the honour of standing up for the truth.
- ISBN: 9781922777027
- ISBN-10: 1922777021
- Series: Black Cockatoo
- Published: 1st August 2023
- Format: Paperback
- Language: English
- For Ages: 10+ years old
- Publisher: Magabala Books
- Country of Publication: AU
- Dimensions (cm): 19.5 x 13 x 1
- Weight (kg): 0.12
More About The Artist
More About The Artist


About Carl Merrison
About Carl Merrison
Carl Merrison is a proud and respected Jaru/Kija man from the Kimberley region, who was named WA Runner-Up Australian of the Year - Local Hero in 2016. With over a decade of experience mentoring Aboriginal youth through education, AFL and community programs, Carl is deeply committed to empowering young people and celebrating culture.
As an award-winning author, Carl writes in collaboration with Hakea Hustler, bringing powerful and authentic stories to life. Their works include Black Cockatoo (a CBCA Young Reader Honour Book), Tracks of the Missing, Dirran, Beautiful Night, Loved You Then and My Deadly Boots - all rich in culture, heart and strength. Through his writing, Carl continues to inspire the next generation with stories that reflect identity, resilience and pride.
Carl Merrison is a proud and respected Jaru/Kija man from the Kimberley region, who was named WA Runner-Up Australian of the Year - Local Hero in 2016. With over a decade of experience mentoring Aboriginal youth through education, AFL and community programs, Carl is deeply committed to empowering young people and celebrating culture.
As an award-winning author, Carl writes in collaboration with Hakea Hustler, bringing powerful and authentic stories to life. Their works include Black Cockatoo (a CBCA Young Reader Honour Book), Tracks of the Missing, Dirran, Beautiful Night, Loved You Then and My Deadly Boots - all rich in culture, heart and strength. Through his writing, Carl continues to inspire the next generation with stories that reflect identity, resilience and pride.