The djadjun (moon) tastes like
cookies and cream ice cream.
as it rises above the gadu (ocean)
it shines on the gali (dance)

~ Victoria, Year 4, Warrawong Public School

As part of Poetic Moments, poems written by four Illawarra students – Victoria (Year 4, Warrawong PS), Isabel (Year 8, Warrawong HS), Ezakhai (Year 8, Kemblawarra PS) and Jallarah (Year 6, Warrawong PS) – were published on the back of five buses that travelled through the Illawarra. The poems travelled from 26 June - 30 September spanning both Reconciliation and NAIDOC Weeks 2018.

Artwork by Rhea Lotter. Photos by Tad Souden.

Poetry in First Languages celebrates, shares and preserves knowledge of First Nations languages and culture through poetry, music and art. The student poems were created during workshops on Dharawal Country in May 2018.

Media

ABC Illawarra Aboriginal poet Kirli Saunders rediscovers identity and teaches students to own languages

Illawarra Mercury Warrawong indigenous students keeping their language alive thanks to Red Room Poetry

Supporters & partners

Poetry in First Languages is supported by the Commonwealth through the Australian National Commission for UNESCO of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It is proudly supported by the Graeme Wood Foundation, Geoff Ainsworth AM & Johanna Featherstone, Copyright Agency, Norman Catts Trust and generous individuals.