"Beware the Argula!" By Kirsty Burgu
'It may seem like a simple story but Beware the Argula! Is also a warning to everyone to be careful when they go out bush. I know these Argula exist, I have felt their presence – and there is rock art depicting the Argula along the Kimberley coast. Some people in the Kimberley and all over Australia call the Argula the ‘hairy man’ or the ‘bush devil’.' – Kirsty Burgu
When two boys go fishing they are unaware that the Argula, the bush devil, is watching them and helping itself to all their fish. The boys finally see the Argula’s glowing red eyes – but it is too late and they become the Argula’s next meal! When they are rescued, they are unconscious and have to be shocked back to consciousness by fire ants. Once safely home they vow to never be greedy again and to always watch out for the Argula.
This is the second title in the Kimberley Art Centre Series, working with Kirsty Burgu from Mowanjum Art and Cultural Centre. The story was told to Kirsty as a child and the Arugula is not considered to be myth but it is thought to exist – rock art featuring the Argula are found along the Kimberly coastline.
- ISBN: 9781922613240
- ISBN-10: 192261324X
- Published: 1st September 2023
- Format: Hardcover
- Language: English
- Publisher: Magabala Books
- Country of Publication: AU
- Dimensions (cm): 25.6 x 25.7 x 1
- Weight (kg): 0.44
More About The Artist
More About The Artist


About Kirsty Burgu
About Kirsty Burgu
Kirsty Burgu is a proud Ngarinyin Worrorra woman from Mowanjum Community in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Deeply connected to both her traditional culture and her Christian faith, Kirsty brings together these two worlds through her powerful artwork. Her paintings often feature the first two Wandjina – Idjair, the father (God), and Wodjin, the son (Jesus) – reflecting her spiritual beliefs and cultural heritage with striking clarity and devotion.
Kirsty is a respected leader in her community. She serves as the Pastor at Mowanjum and is a Director of both the Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation and the Mowanjum Aboriginal Corporation. She is also an active artist at the Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre, where her work continues to inspire and connect. In 2021, her creative achievements were recognised on a national scale when she was named a Finalist in the prestigious Blake Prize at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre – a significant honour from a field of over 1,200 international entries.
Kirsty Burgu is a proud Ngarinyin Worrorra woman from Mowanjum Community in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Deeply connected to both her traditional culture and her Christian faith, Kirsty brings together these two worlds through her powerful artwork. Her paintings often feature the first two Wandjina – Idjair, the father (God), and Wodjin, the son (Jesus) – reflecting her spiritual beliefs and cultural heritage with striking clarity and devotion.
Kirsty is a respected leader in her community. She serves as the Pastor at Mowanjum and is a Director of both the Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation and the Mowanjum Aboriginal Corporation. She is also an active artist at the Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre, where her work continues to inspire and connect. In 2021, her creative achievements were recognised on a national scale when she was named a Finalist in the prestigious Blake Prize at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre – a significant honour from a field of over 1,200 international entries.