“Wilam: A Birrarung Story” By Aunty Joy Murphy, Andrew Kelly, Lisa Kennedy (Illustrator)
In this stunning picture book, beautifully given form by Indigenous artist Lisa Kennedy, respected Elder Aunty Joy Murphy and Yarra Riverkeeper Andrew Kelly tell the story of one day in the life of the vital, flourishing Birrarung (Yarra River).
As ngua rises, Bunjil soars over mountain ash, flying higher and higher as the wind warms. Below, Birrarung begins its long winding path down to palem warreen. Wilam – home.
Yarra Riverkeeper Andrew Kelly joins award-winning picture book duo Aunty Joy Murphy and Lisa Kennedy to tell the Indigenous and geographical story of Melbourne’s beautiful Yarra River, from its source to its mouth; from its pre-history to the present day.
An ode to Australian rivers, the flora and fauna that live on them, and the function they perform as a part of modern-day life.
Wilam brings Aboriginal life, culture and language right into the heart of the city.
From an award-winning team of the bestselling Welcome to Country, and Yarra Riverkeeper and award-winning author Andrew Kelly.
Awards:
Shortlisted for the 2020 Environment Award for Children’s Literature: Picture Fiction Category.
- ISBN: 9781925381764
- ISBN-10: 1925381765
- Audience: Children
- For Ages: 6+ years old
- Format: Hardcover
- Language: English
- Number of Pages: 40
- Published: 1st April 2019
- Publisher: Walker Books Australia
- Country of Publication: Australia
- Dimensions (cm): 29 x 25.5 x 1
- Weight (kg): 0.48
More About The Artist
More About The Artist


About Aunty Joy Murphy
About Aunty Joy Murphy
Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin AO is the Senior Aboriginal Elder of the Wurundjeri People of Melbourne and surrounds. She has had numerous government appointments, including as a member of the Equal Opportunity Commission of Victoria and of the Anti-Discrimination Tribunal. Aunty Joy is a storyteller and a writer, passionate about using story to bring people together and as a conduit for understanding Aboriginal culture.
Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin AO is the Senior Aboriginal Elder of the Wurundjeri People of Melbourne and surrounds. She has had numerous government appointments, including as a member of the Equal Opportunity Commission of Victoria and of the Anti-Discrimination Tribunal. Aunty Joy is a storyteller and a writer, passionate about using story to bring people together and as a conduit for understanding Aboriginal culture.