Novel rooted in Yolŋu history wins Prime Minister’s Literary award
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Leonie Norrington and co-authors Djawundil Maymuru, Merrikiyawuy Ganambarr-Stubbs, and Djawa Burarrwanga won the $80,000 fiction prize at the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards for their novel A Piece of Red Cloth. The book draws upon the oral history of the Yolŋu people, an Aboriginal Australian group from north-east Arnhem Land, telling the story of a grandmother protecting her granddaughter from Macassan trepang fishermen in the 1600s.
Judges described the novel as a landmark achievement, praising its collaborative nature and fusion of oral history with novelistic writing. Norrington, who grew up in the Barunga community, wrote the book after being inspired by her Aboriginal mother, Clare Bush, who wanted the Yolŋu story shared to foster a deeper understanding of the Australian landscape.
Norrington’s mother believed focusing solely on “Captain Cook history” encouraged exploitation of the land, while recognising the deep connection between people and the country would promote respect. Merrikiyawuy Ganambarr-Stubbs explained the book also shows how cultural traditions remain vibrant in modern Yolŋu communities, even as they continue long-standing trade relationships with other countries. Norrington hopes the award will encourage action and a greater awareness of Australia’s fragile environment, urging leaders to make responsible decisions for future generations.
Kate Wild also won an award in the non-fiction category for her book The Red House.
