Author

Mabu Yawuru Ngan-ga

Mabu Yawuru Ngan-ga is the Yawuru language centre based in Rubibi, rnu by the Nyamba Buru Yawuru Centre. Yawuru is an endangered language and has been the focus of NBY s cultural maintenance at the Mabu Yawuru Ngan-ga Yawuru Language Centre. Language specialists have developed resources and innovative solutions that are revitalising the language and training Yawuru people to teach and share the language. Broome primary schools (up to 1500 children) have Yawuru language programs and it is becoming more familiar the broader community, increasing respect and understanding for the language and culture of the Yawuru people. The Mabu Yawuru Ngan-ga Language Centre assists community with language translations or queries about language usage for public events or publications. Their inaugural Walalangga Yawuru Ngan-ga adult language program was a 2 year program specifically designed to re-introduce language into the homes of Yawuru families. Nine Yawuru adults completed the first fulltime course and graduates have shared their learning with their community, gaining confidence and experience in public speaking, education and translation. Graduates have not only gained language skills, but also gained self-confidence, cultural knowledge and interpersonal skills that have increased their working experience and their capabilities in a range of areas.

Brenton McKenna is a respected Yawuru artist based out of Broome, WA, who is the first ever published Indigenous graphic novel author in Australia. In 2011 Magabala Books published Brenton s first work Ubby s Underdogs: The Legend of the Phoenix Dragon. The Ubby s brand has gone on to become an iconic three-part series and affirmed Brenton's place as an exciting voice in the Australian literary scene. Additional published works to date include notable Penguin and Allen & Unwin titles. Brenton also has a weekly comic strip in The West Australian called Old Champ. When he s not drawing, Brenton dedicates his time to educating young people through creative storytelling workshops. Using his you can be anything you want mantra, he takes learning into a fantastical, exciting and visual space through his innovative and imaginative teachings.