Teachers' notes for self guided tour
Koori Knockout
https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/exhibitions/koori-knockout-50-years
In 1971 at the Clifton Hotel in Redfern, six young First Nations men created what is today the largest gathering of First Nations peoples in NSW — known as the Koori Knockout. This year more than 30,000 players and spectators are expected to arrive on the NSW South Coast as this, one of the most popular First Nations sporting events in Australia, marks its 50th anniversary.
In this exhibition, follow the competition from those early days played at Camdenville Oval, St Peters with just seven men’s teams in the first Knockout, to becoming a fixture in the First Nations calendar and the biggest rugby league knockout carnival anywhere in the world.
See the first-ever Knockout trophy along with other important memorabilia, and hear stories, oral histories and recordings from those who have helped shape the competition over the years. Experience the excitement and joy of game days with the State Library’s collection of photos and see the amazing talent that is showcased — from young rising stars to football legends like Greg Inglis.
Join the celebrations as together with the Koori Knockout community we recognise and celebrate this important and enduring event in Australian sporting history.
Children’s Library
Wind your way through our new maze-like library and get lost in the magic of books and stories.
The shelves are brimming with Australia’s best children’s books, as well as favourites from overseas authors. Get comfy in one of the cozy reading nooks and explore new worlds.
If you look up, you’ll see dozens of flying books just waiting to be written.
Imagine … the Wonder of Picture Books
‘The best stories never end … They keep going on inside you.’ Ursula Dubosarsky, March of the Ants
Stories and characters from much-loved Australian picture books come to life in this celebration of children’s literature.
Come and see some of the most beautiful picture books and artworks in the State Library’s collection and beyond. You’ll find original illustrations and preliminary sketches from your favourite books and discover new favourites in newcomers like Christina Huynh (Grandma’s Treasured Shoes).
Today’s Australian authors and illustrators capture our diverse cultures. They use picture books to connect young readers with important issues in a gentle and accessible ways.
Hear Ursula Dubosarsky (March of the Ants), Maxine Beneba Clarke (When We Say Black Lives Matter), Phil Lesnie (A Boy and a Ball), Pamela Allen (Grandpa and Thomas), Jeannie Baker (Circle) and more, talking about their work, inspiration and creative process.
Younger visitors can enjoy our dedicated activity space, brimming with fun things to do. Learn how to draw popular book characters and make a zine, read books from the exhibition (including 10 with braille), and play with the giant textured tree and magnetic wall.
The Paintings Gallery
More than 300 original artworks from the Library’s unique collection of landscape and portrait paintings on permanent public display. The selected works range from the 1790s to today. The exhibition features portraits of the extraordinary and the everyday, rare and recent views of Sydney and the harbour, suburban streetscapes and burgeoning rural townscapes.
Each of these paintings offers a glimpse into the artist’s world — how they saw it, or how they were commissioned to portray it. They are a window into the past, but they also prompt us to ask what, and who is not visible.