Vision Australia Library Celebrates NAIDOC Week

Vision Australia Library acknowledges and appreciates the diverse histories and knowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples hold and believe all Australians should celebrate our shared histories.

By respectfully listening to those who hold this knowledge we can all learn and obtain a deeper understanding to create a positive culturally appropriate and more equitable client experience for all.

First Nations Titles in the Library

Vision Australia Library have compiled a reading list that recognises and celebrates the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  We encourage everyone to peruse our suggestions and broaden your bookshelf this NAIDOC Week.

Wonder of Little Things by Vince Copley

He was a champion footballer and premiership-winning coach, but change was in the air, and Copley knew he had more to contribute to help make life better for his people. A story of hardship, courage and optimism told without self-pity or big-noting.

Growing Up Torres Strait Islander in Australia by Samantha Faulkner

Growing Up Torres Strait Islander in Australia showcases the distinct identity of Torres Strait Islanders through their diverse voices and journeys. Hear from emerging and established writers from both today and the recent past.

Black Witness: The Power of Indigenous Media by Amy McQuire

A collection of powerful essays proving why the media need to believe Black witnesses and showcasing ways that journalism can be used to hold the powerful to account and make the world a more equitable place.

Always Was, Always Will Be by Thomas Mayo

Since the referendum, supporters have been asking for guidance as to how to continue to support Indigenous recognition. Always Was, Always Will Be is about the future, where there is justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.

Astronomy: Sky Country by Karlie Noon and Krystal de Napoli

Astronomy: Sky Country explores the connections between Aboriginal environmental and cultural practices and the behaviour of the stars and consider what must be done to sustain our dark skies, and the information they hold, into the future.

Warra Warra Wai by Darren Rix

Both 250 years late and extremely timely, this is an account of what First Nations people saw and felt when James Cook navigated their shores in 1770. For the first time, the First Nations story of Cook’s arrival.

Long Yarn Short by Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts

A survivor of out-of-home care, a practising lawyer fighting for the freedom of others, Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts takes an unflinching look at the shameful rates of child removals and the pipeline of First Nations children into the criminal justice system.

Jilya: How One Indigenous Woman from the Remote Pilbara Transformed Psychology by Tracy Westerman

Tracy Westerman was the first Aboriginal person to complete a PhD in Clinical Psychology. Jilya is a story of drive and determination, of what it takes to create change when the odds are stacked against you.

Vision Australia Library and the Indigenous Literacy Foundation

The Vision Australia Library are privileged to support the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. We provide learning resources to blind and low vision children and families living in remote Communities across Australia. Some Feelix Kits are gifted to Community, other kits are sent to playgroups with children or family members who are blind or have low vision. Last year we produced kits for The Very Hungry Caterpillar, this year’s Feelix Kits are a Vision Australia favourite…..Where is the Green Sheep?

In Conversation with Nardi Simpson

Vision Australia Library’s recent In Conversation with Nardi Simpson, a Yuwaalaraay storyteller and performer, delivered a magical evening for in-person and online guests.