Melbourne historian Clare Wright’s nonfiction book Näku Dhäruk: The Bark Petitions wins major recognition at the NSW Literary Awards, with reports describing it as highly researched and original. The book focuses on the 1963 Näku Dhäruk (also known as the Yirrkala Bark Petitions), when Yolŋu elders presented the documents to the Australian Parliament using painted bark frames.
According to the coverage, the petitions call for government action after part of Arnhem Land Reserve is licensed to a French mining company. While the reports say the petitions do not stop mining, they are described as a seminal moment in Australia’s land rights history. Multiple sources link the petitions to the development of Australia’s first land rights legislation, citing the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976.
The Guardian also reports that Wright receives Book of the Year prize money of $50,000 and that judges commend the work for its depth and vivid presentation of the historical record. ABC Australia and The Guardian both frame the awards as reflecting the book’s significance to Australian historical understanding.
