The NSW History Awards acknowledge the contribution of historical research to our culture and communities, and to society at large. And we are delighted that Clare Wright’s N̲äku Dhäruk The Bark Petitions: How the people of Yirrkala changed the course of Australian democracy (Text Publishing) has been shortlisted in the Australian History Prize category, as well as the accompanying documentary One Mind, One Heart in the Digital History Prize category!
The judge’s said of the book:
“N̲äku Dhäruk: The Bark Petitions tells the story behind the famous 1963 Yirrkala Bark Petitions. This highly readable account explores the interactions between missionaries, government officials, mining companies and — most importantly — the Yolngu people. Drawing on extensive oral history interviews, Yolngu knowledge and archival records, Clare Wright masterfully chronicles who created the Bark Petitions; how they drafted the petitions; and why the petitions represent a significant intervention in Australia’s democratic history.
Wright centres Yolngu language, law, stories and traditions, skilfully bringing together First Nations and non-Indigenous storytelling. Wright’s style brings key historical actors to life, transplanting the reader to Yolngu Country as she delves into their mindsets and motivations. The final product is an unfolding drama that invites all Australians to reimagine the nation’s relationship to First Nations peoples and Country.”
Not only has N̲äku Dhäruk been recognised as a major work of non-fiction on Australian history, but the documentary – One Mind, One Heart – about the enduring significance of the Yirrkala Bark Petitions has also been shortlisted in the Digital History Prize for an Australian historian’s interpretation of an historical subject, using non-print media. Clare Wright acted as Associate Producer on the documentary, and has been recognised alongside Larissa Behrendt who was Writer/Director, and Michaela Perske as Producer.
The judge’s said of One Mind, One Heart; “The film balances emotional resonance with political depth, tracing the arc from early protest through to the Uluru Statement and the 2023 Voice referendum. Ambitious in scope, its strength lies in its ability to centre Indigenous voices, culture and intergenerational responsibility in a way that is both visually beautiful and intellectually vital.”
The winners will be announced during NSW History Week at the State Library of NSW on Friday 5 September 2025. Heartiest of congratulations!
