KIRLI SAUNDERS
MAKING AN IMPACT
Kirli Saunders (OAM) is a proud Gunai Woman and award-winning author, multidisciplinary artist and consultant. An experienced speaker and facilitator advocating for the environment and equality, Kirli was the NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year (2020). In 2022, she was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for her contribution to the arts, particularly literature.
Kirli has partnered with global organisations including Google, Fender, Sydney Opera House, Qantas and Spotify, Mecca and Aesop to celebrate stories and cultivate change. Her celebrated books among others include Bindi, Our Dreaming, Kindred, and forthcoming Returning (2023, Magabala). Her play, Going Home, directed by Shari Sebbens will take the stage in 2024, with a second development in 2023. She is also writing her anticipated novel, Yaraman, based on Yuin lands, assisted by AUSCO.
On the Aunty Beryl Cruse stage, Kirli Saunders joins fellow award-winning author Ellen van Neerven ‘in conversation’ to discuss their writing, explore issues around First Nations literacy and share readings from their latest works.
Kirli will also present a kids workshop at the festival making craft echidnas and sharing a reading of her book Our Dreaming. For kids aged 4 - 12yrs.
https://kirlisaunders.com/about