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
The powerful poems of First Nations students published on rand scale on bus backs
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.
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
Artwork by Rhea Lotter. Photos by Tad Souden.
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First Nations student poetry on buses 2019
Students publish Poetry in First Languages on bus backs to raise environmental awareness. -
Poetic Moments
Poetic Moments elevates the visibility and accessibility of contemporary Australian poetry via cultural placemaking with publication of poems in unexpected spaces.
Partners and Supporters
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.
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Australia Council for the Arts
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Create NSW
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Copyright Agency Cultural Fund
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Graeme Wood Foundation
