Written by Dave mangenner Gough, illustrated by Samantha Campbell
Published by Aboriginal Studies Press
‘luwa tara luwa waypa is a story of strong ancestral connections between my family and tara, the male forrester kangaroo. The story goes back to our creation in the dawn of time when we were first created as palawa part-man part-kangaroo in lutruwita (Tasmania).’
– Dave mangenner Gough.
An evocative story drawn from the personal experience of celebrated artist, curator and cultural practitioner Dave mangenner Gough, luwa tara luwa waypa is written for children from 7 years through to older teenagers.
niyakara is leaving the village to hunt tara, kangaroo.
On his mind is the chief’s daughter, tuminana, who is at the water with the women, collecting shells and working.
But down on the beach, niyakara hears three thuds
. . . boom boom boom
With rhythmic intensity, luwa tara luwa waypa tells the captivating story of niyakara’s journey from boy to man, a story of courage and transformation. Dave mangenner Gough’s powerful words and Samantha Campbell’s expressive artwork bring to vivid life the ancestral spirit and enduring strength of the palawa people of Tasmania.
This story includes palawa (Tasmanian Aboriginal) language words. The palawa words are written in lower case. The book features a QR code to hear the author read his story
Author Dave mangenner Gough is a celebrated artist, curator and cultural practitioner dedicated to practising and demonstrating Tasmanian Aboriginal culture for all Australian people, to bring communities together and preserve our traditional culture.
As a proud trawlwoolway man – descended from Bungana (chief) manalargenna’s oldest daughter woretemoeteyenner of north-east Tasmania – Dave has a strong personal connection to lutruwita Tasmania and its people.
As an artist, he has exhibited nationally and internationally. He has also curated a number of significant exhibitions. With Dave as writer, director, producer and performer, luwa tara luwa waypa has been performed in Tasmania as part of mapali dawn gathering, launching the 2021 Ten Days on The Island arts festival.
Illustrator Samantha Campbell grew up in the Northern Territory and lives in Alice Springs. She is descended from the Dagoman people from Katherine and as a child lived in remote communities across the Top End. Her first book, Alfred’s War, written by Rachel Bin Salleh, was shortlisted for the New South Wales Premier’s Literary Awards and the Speech Pathology Australia’s Book of the Year Awards. Her other books include Aunty’s Wedding by Miranda Tapsell and Joshua Tyler, Brother Moon by Maree McCarthy Yoelu, and Freedom Day by Rosie Smiler and Thomas Mayor.
luwa tara luwa waypa is now available from the AIATSIS Shop or from your favourite bookseller.
Hardback: 32pp | RRP $26.95 | ISBN 9781922752062
Ebook: 32pp | RRP $14.95 | ISBN 9781922752079 (Available on Amazon and other online booksellers)
Aboriginal Studies Press is the publishing arm of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies.
For all media enquiries please contact:
Annabel Rijks (annabel@dmcpr.com.au) or
Debbie McInnes (debbie@dmcpr.com.au or 02 9550 9207)
Dave mangenner Gough is available for interview ex Tasmania.
Samantha Campbell is available for interview ex NT.