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Travels From:
Brisbane
Fee Range: E
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Dr Anita Heiss AM is a proud member of the Wiradyuri Nation of central New South Wales and one of Australia's most prolific and well-known authors, with more than 20 books published across genres including non-fiction, historical fiction, commercial fiction and children's literature. An award-winning author and international speaker, Anita draws on her extensive background in Australian First Nations literature to inspire audiences and encourage meaningful action on issues close to her heart.
Anita's children's literature includes Who Am I? The Diary of Mary Talence, Our Race for Reconciliation, Harry's Secret, Koori Princess and Kicking Goals with Goodesy and Magic, co-written with Adam Goodes and Michael O'Loughlin. She also collaborated with students from La Perouse Public School on two children's novels, Yirra and Her Deadly Dog Demon and Demon Guards the School Yard.
Her non-fiction works include Am I Black Enough for You? and Dhuuluu-Yala (To Talk Straight): Publishing Aboriginal Literature. She is also the editor of Growing Up Aboriginal in Australia and co-editor, alongside Peter Minter, of The Macquarie PEN Anthology of Aboriginal Literature.
Anita's adult fiction includes Not Meeting Mr Right, Avoiding Mr Right, Manhattan Dreaming, Paris Dreaming and Tiddas. Her historical novel Barbed Wire and Cherry Blossoms was shortlisted for the Queensland Literary Awards, longlisted for the Dublin International Literary Prize and selected as the University of Canberra's 2020 Book of the Year.
Her novel Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray won the 2022 NSW Premier's Literary Prize for Indigenous Writing, was shortlisted for the 2021 HNSA ARA Historical Novel Award and the 2022 Australian Book Industry Awards, and longlisted for the 2022 Stella Prize.
In 2023, Anita re-released her romantic comedies and published her children's book Bidhi Galing (Big Rain), illustrated by Samantha Campbell.
Anita's first play, Tiddas, produced by La Boite Theatre, had its world premiere at the 2022 Brisbane Festival before being presented by Belvoir St Theatre as part of the 2024 Sydney Festival. Her more recent publications include Dirrayawadha (Rise Up), exploring the Wiradyuri War of 1824, and the romantic comedies Red Dust Running and Paradise Pact.
A passionate advocate for Indigenous literacy, Anita has worked in remote communities as well as rural and urban settings, encouraging young First Nations Australians to discover the power of storytelling and share their own experiences. She also mentors young women in business and writing.
Internationally, Anita has performed her work and lectured on Aboriginal literature at universities, conferences, Australian consulates and embassies across the USA, Canada, the UK, Tahiti, Fiji, New Caledonia, Spain, Japan, Austria, Germany, China, India and New Zealand.
Anita was Professor of Communications at the University of Queensland from 2019 to 2026. She is currently Publisher at Large, heading up Bundyi Publishing, the First Nations imprint of Simon & Schuster. She also sits on the Editorial Advisory Committee of Meanjin and has recently been appointed to the boards of the Sydney Writers' Festival and TriMob.
Anita is a Lifetime Ambassador for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and an Ambassador for the GO Foundation.
A passionate storyteller and creative disruptor, Anita also loves chocolate and running.
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Testimonials:
"I wanted to say thank you for the wonderful fireside chat. You provided us with a great opportunity to hear and be inspired by your experiences, knowledges, and insights, connect to our communities, and receive some honest feedback which we will continue to learn from. There was an abundance of what we in NZ would call whānau-feeling (extended family-gathering vibes), which in my experience is a rare but special thing in a business school setting.” The University of Sydney Business School
"Anita brought incredible warmth and generosity to her session with our Indigenous Employee Network. In the lead-up, she took the time to meet with our team to understand the audience and what would resonate most and it truly showed. Her storytelling was powerful, personal, and deeply engaging. Anita's honesty and humour left a lasting impression, and we're so grateful for the way she connected with us." GHD, Brisbane
"Dr Anita Heiss AM is an inspiring role model for young women and a powerful ambassador for First Nations people. Her talk at Somerville House was captivating, heartfelt, engaging, and left a lasting impact on our community. We are grateful for her visit and the important conversations it continues to inspire. I would highly recommend her as a speaker at any event for students or adults." Somerville House, QLD
"Anita's presentation provided a variety of key resources to explore within my classroom. As a secondary English teacher, it was refreshing to see an author discuss and explain their own books in relation to appropriateness of content and target audiences so that I can be discerning about which ones to read/introduce first." Jess, Secondary School Teacher, ACT
"I found the Anita Heiss presentation powerful and gave me key take-aways to pass on to new educators to continue to truth-tell and be confident in telling story of our Country and our shared history." Anne, Educator Mentor, ACT
"Dr Heiss shared a variety of her own stories and resources that are perfect for the classroom, as well as a range of websites that feature other First Nations published works. It is essential that educators incorporate First Nations literature into their own personal reading lists, to gain a deeper understanding of the histories and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people." Carolyn, Secondary School Teacher, ACT
"Really helpful range of picture books and resources to use as jumping point for incorporating authentic First Australians' viewpoints and experiences. So accessible and engaging for primary students!" Billie, Primary Teacher, ACT.
"I found the Anita Heiss presentation powerful and gave me key take-aways to pass on to new educators to continue to truth-tell and be confident in telling the story of our Country and our shared history." Anne, Educator Mentor, ACT
"Anita kept it real - sharing stories about identity, culture and where we belong. She had us laughing one minute and thinking deeply the next. The way she tells a story, you feel every word. Huge thanks to Anita for joining us and sharing so generously. We're really grateful for your time, your stories and your voice." CS Energy, Brisbane
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