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First Australians

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A watercolor painting showing a central elongated figure resembling a fish or marine mammal, with a grid-like pattern. Above the main figure, three smaller, simpler outlines of turtles are sketched. The background consists of soft, earthy tones and textured brushstrokes.

William Westall, Chasm Island, native cave painting, 1803, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-138890494

Connections to Country

Topic 

Explore early European encounters with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art through the work of William Westall and engage students in considering the cultural significance of special places.

Digital Classroom
First Australians
A cosy living room. A small table surrounded by four chairs takes up much of the image. There are a few other seats in the image, and artwork and sculpture adorning the walls and shelves lining the walls.

Duldig Studio sitting room. Image courtesy of the Duldig Studio Museum + Sculpture Garden ©2026.

Community Heritage Grants: New Applicants Q&A forum

This was an opportunity to learn more about the Community Heritage Grants program and ask specific questions about your proposal.

Event
A detailed drawing of various hunting implements and weapons. The illustration includes spears, shields, boomerangs, clubs, and other tools, arranged in a grid-like pattern on a plain background. Each item is depicted with precise lines and shading, with some labelled using letters A and B.

Port Jackson Painter, Aboriginal hunting implements and weapons, 1790, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-135230406

Changing technology

Topic 

Explore how food production and gathering methods have evolved over time, using artworks and photographs from our collection.

Digital Classroom
First Australians
Two men hug and another man shakes one of their hands

Juno Gemes, Countrymen, elders from Arakun and Mornington Island greeting each other before a ceremony, Mornington Island, Queensland, 1978, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-147616168

Bringing Them Home oral history project

Between 1998 and 2002, people from all over Australia told us their stories as part of the Bringing Them Home oral history project.

First Australians
Information article
Woman, Jacinta Mackay, sitting in front of a window looking into the Main Reading Room with a large globe on the other side

2024 National Library of Australia Scholar Jacinta Mackay

Bridging the gap between history and culturally safe nursing

Learn about Jacinta Mackay's NLA Scholarship research using the Bringing Them Home oral history recordings.

Blog
Cover of book 'Red Dust Running' by Anita Heiss next to a picture of Anita Heiss sitting on concrete steps smiling
Book launch: Red Dust Running with Anita Heiss

Anita Heiss discussed her new book 'Red Dust Running'.

Event
Video
Two images side by side. The image on the left is the front cover of the book 'If Everyone Cared Enough', and the image on the right is a portrait of an elderly Aboriginal women in a green shawl.
Book Launch: If Everyone Cared Enough by Margaret Tucker

A celebration of Margaret Tucker's life and work

Event
First Australians
Video
On the left is a smiling man wearing a white shirt and dark blue jacket. On the right is the cover of the book 'Clever Men' by Martin Thomas.
Book Launch: Clever Men by Professor Martin Thomas

Professors Martin Thomas and Jon Altman discussed Martin’s new book, Clever Men.

Event
Video
A black-and-white postcard depicting a forest scene with a large wooden structure resembling a natural shelter or barricade. The structure is made from wooden logs and branches, arranged in a semi-circle or arch. The dense forest in the background features tall trees, ferns, and thick underbrush, creating a secluded and mysterious atmosphere. The ground appears rough, with scattered debris and fallen logs. The image is reminiscent of a hidden or protected space within the wilderness.

Postcard of a sketch by William Knight of a native camp, Midlands, Tasmania, sketch made on the spot, 1924, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-3265441693

Bates Collection

Papers, maps, photographs and other publications largely relating to Daisy Bates' research on First Australians.

Collection guide
First Australians
Cover of children's book 'Ayaiga: Neighbour and Hero'
Ayaiga: Neighbour and Hero

Thomas Higgs with Colin Hall and illustrated by Wally Wilfred

Book
Finding australian literature - sams bush journey

Morgan, Sally and Kwaymullina, Ezekiel, Sam's Bush Journey, Surry Hills, N.S.W. : Little Hare Books, 2009

Australian literature: Indigenous

How to find information about Indigenous literature

First Australians
Research guide
A black and white photo of a man sitting on a train

Robert McFarlane, Charles Perkins travelling to University, 1963, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-136494589

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures

Topic 

Additional Library resources with educational value for teachers and students.

Audio
Digital Classroom
First Australians
Video

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