In this 2-hour workshop, Dr Melanie Saward will discuss her approach to the Papunya readers, and the process of creating a culturally respectful online resource for teachers. Dr Saward will explore the themes of Country, Community, family, responsibility and storytelling as represented in the work created by the Papunya Literature Production Centre.

Museum educators will guide participants through the Wangka Wakanutja exhibition, demonstrating contemporary facilitation strategies they use with students on site to ensure student-led object investigation within the exhibition. Participants will have the opportunity to practice these skills within the gallery space and engage in reflection with colleagues on how these techniques will translate to a classroom setting.

The content of this workshop supports the Australian Curriculum for Years 5-6 HASS, The Arts and cross-curriculum priority Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Culture.

Ticket price includes 2 hours of TQI accredited Professional Learning, refreshments, and a copy of the 2026 NLA Publishing title Wangka Wakaṉutja.

Teachers wishing to claim TQI hours are required to complete a reflection task (supplied at the event).

Can't make it in person? Join Dr Saward's presentation remotely through Zoom. Free registration includes a 45-minute online session, plus a brief discussion on where to find resources on the Library's website.

About Dr Melanie Saward

Dr Saward is a proud Bigambul and Wakka Wakka woman, and a writer, editor, and academic. She lectures in the University of Queensland’s School of Communication and Arts and is the newly appointed Director of the Writing, Editing, and Publishing master’s program. Her research explores Indigeneity in romantic comedy fiction, focusing on diversity, intersectionality, and the Australian publishing industry. Melanie is the author of Burn and Love Unleashed, and co-author (with Brooke Blurton) of A Good Kind of Trouble, and its sequel Making Trouble.