The Dunggiirr Brothers and the Caring Song of the Whale

Judges' Comments 

First People’s traditional stories in Australia have often been viewed and presented as simple stories and categorised as children’s literature but these stories are in truth very complex. They often cover social, religion and political themes. Like Aesop’s Fables and the Christian story of Noah and the ark, First Nations’ stories are ethical guides which also carry important information about the natural environment and events that occurred at the time. These multilayered stories bring forth thousands of years of knowledge, and are presented through song, dance, drama, visual arts and storytelling. 

The Dunggirr Brothers and the Caring Song of the Whale continues this tradition. The narrative weaves a traditional story of a travelling whale into themes around contemporary relationships with each other and the natural world. It beautifully illustrates the continuing Koori connection to community and family.