Water from Colomatta (the Blue Mountains) finds its home in Dyarubbin which envelops the Sydney metropolitan area before making its way to the sea. A recently discovered list of 178 Aboriginal names for places on Dyarubbin has offered a key to the lost and hidden history of this area. Historian Grace Karskens (People of the River, The Colony), Darug writer, artist and teacher, Jasmine Seymour and Darug artist-educator, Leanne Mulgo Watson (Cooee Mittigar) shed light on this vital project that offers rich insights into First Nations life and culture on the river. In conversation with Peter Minter.

Grace Karskens is Professor of History at the University of New South Wales, where she has taught for 20 years. Grace’s latest book, People of the River: Lost Worlds of Early Australia, won the Prime Minister’s Award for History.

Jasmine Seymour belongs to the Grey Kangaroo (people of Richmond) in the Sydney area, and is a passionate arts advocate. She is the author of several children’s books, including Baby Business, Family, Open Your Heart to Country and the award winning Cooee Mittigar.

Leanne Mulgo Watson is a Darug woman commonly known in the Aboriginal community as Mulgo meaning Black Swan and is the daughter of Aunty Edna Watson and Uncle Allan Watson. Leanne is an award winning illustrator whose works include Sharing and Cooee Mittigar.

Peter Minter is a poet, poetry editor and writer on poetry and poetics.

A portable T-loop is available for a limited number of seats for this event. Please email hello@bluemountainswritersfestival.com.au if you require this service.

Single tickets are available below. You can also attend this event by purchasing a Festival multipack ticket or a Livestream ticket.