Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that the following article contains the name of someone who has passed away.
On Saturday, November 2, community gathered on Dharawal country at The Point Preschool in Oyster Bay to see the launch of six Ezy Books.
Written by Dr Jodi Edwards and illustrated by Amy-Lea Hill-Trindall, the children's books feature Ezy the dog learning and exploring in Dharawal and English language.
“From my heart, I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed to get Dharawal language back out there,” Jodi said.
On the day Jodi shared the story behind the creation of the series. Uncle Les Bursill was remembered as an important mentor with the vision to revitalise Dharawal language and culture by establishing Dharawal Publishing.
“Two days before his passing, Les rang me and he said ‘I need you to take the baton’. I didn’t know how to do that, but what I knew was that we could not have another generation of children without language,” Jodi said.
“Then Covid hit – my son thought it would be a great idea to buy a dog, and so Ezy came into our life. I walked Ezy every day, and I used to teach him Dharawal language because I had no one else to teach.
“One day he saw a kangaroo. He ran off because he didn’t know what it was. And this other lady had been chasing him and she was trying to call him and tell him to sit. I told him ‘Ngala’ (sit) – I said he speaks Dharawal.”
The six books in the series map out the adventures of Ezy, the beloved Staffordshire Terrier, walking around his local town. The titles are: Ezy and Burri Burri, Budjaan and Ezy, Ezy gets Food, Ezy by the River, Ezy Learns Colours, and Ezy Learns Directions.
With support from Cages Foundation, Jodi is also creating a series of videos, in which she reads the books with an Ezy puppet. These will be released in 2025.
On the day of the book launch, Uncle Dean Kelly led a smoking ceremony and Aunty Barb Simms gave a Welcome to Country.
“There’s no preschool quite like this anywhere. I tell everyone that – want a great preschool? Come over here! It’s got everything – tranquility, trees growing in it, and the staff here are wonderful,” Aunty Barb said.
“What better a place to be today than here. Our young ones will take us into the new realm. It’s our young ones we need to look at and be guided by.”
Speakers expressed their appreciation for Jodi and Amy-Lea’s work in preserving Dharawal culture and passing it down to younger generations.
“Amy’s done some amazing stuff. She’s doing what the old fellas said to do – give it away to keep it,” Uncle Dean said.
In speeches, Amy-Lea and Dr Jodi celebrated their partnership.
“This series stands as an example of what you can achieve when we work together with our mob," Amy-Lea said. "Together, we have achieved our dream. Thank you, Jodi, for working with me. You are an inspiration, and thank you everyone for being a part of this journey.”
Speakers were given gifts of appreciation made by the children at the Point Preschool, including a paper-mache replica of Ezy the dog.
“These children know more than all we do about Dharawal culture and learning the language, and being respectful of being on land,” said Mary Jacobs from Dharawal Publishing.
"Uncle Dean first taught us that we never just take, we always ask. If the children are ever going out on Country, they will always seek permission before they pick up anything. They ask the land, they discuss how it is going to be used and returned to Country again.
“That respect for Country and respect for land is coming through in this next generation, which is so beautiful to see. I’m just so thrilled at how my grandchildren pick nothing without giving a tree a cuddle and asking permission.”
Stallholders on the day presented home-made First Nations goods and artworks. Narelle Happ’s A Garden for Life provided bush plants for purchase. Visitors entered a raffle to win an artwork by Amy-Lea, pairs of clap sticks or a First Nations decorated football.
Guests were able to purchase signed copies of the books from Collins Booksellers Thirroul, who received praise for their extensive First Nations collection.
Jessica Staines from Koori Curriculum officially launched the books.
“Our culture is not fixed, it is fluid. We are part of everything. So it is important for us to understand each Aboriginal child and who they are – their hopes, dreams and aspirations,” Jessica said.
“For them to see themselves in books – to go into Collins Books, or any bookshop and see these beautiful books available in mainstream spaces is special. To have these resources available and accessible and ethically produced, not what we refer to as cultural vultures, is such a special thing.”
Organiser Mary Jacobs was proud to gather a diverse and passionate community for the launch.
“We need to acknowledge those of you who came here today. This journey of revitalisation of Dharawal language and culture would not take place without you,” Mary said.
“You are all educators. You are all now given knowledge that you need to share with your family, your friends and your community. Les would be over the moon about where things have progressed.”
The Ezy books are available online via Collins Booksellers Thirroul or email Dharawal Publications at contact@dharawalwords.com.
To learn Dharawal words and how to pronounce them, visit dharawalwords.com.au
Dr Jodi Edwards will give the Welcome to Country at 2024's True Story festival on Saturday, November 2 and you can hear her talk on Sunday at 1.30pm. Find a full festival program here.
