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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 publishing across genres including non-fiction, historical fiction, commercial fiction and children's fiction.
Anita's children's literature includes Who Am I? the diary of Mary Talence, Our Race for Reconciliation, Harry's Secret, Matty's Comeback,Koori Princess and Kicking Goals with Goodesy and Magic, co-written with Adam Goodes and Micheal O'Loughlin. She also wrote two kid's novels with students from La Perouse Public School -Yirra and Her Deadly Dog Demon and Demon Guards the School Yard.
Anita's non-fiction works include Am I Black Enough for You?, Dhuuluu-Yala (To Talk Straight) Publishing Aboriginal Literature, and as editor, Growing Up Aboriginal in Australia and The Macquarie PEN Anthology of Aboriginal Literature which she co-edited with Peter Minter.
Her adult fiction includes Not Meeting Mr Right, Avoiding Mr Right, Manhattan Dreaming, Paris Dreaming and Tiddas. Her novel Barbed Wire and Cherry Blossoms was shortlisted for the QLDLiterary Awards, longlisted for the Dublin International Literary Prize and was the University of Canberra 2020 Book of the Year. Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray won the 2022 NSW Premier's Literary Prize for Indigenous Writing, was shortlisted for the 2021 HNSA ARA Historical Novel (Adult Category) and the 2022 ABIA Awards, and longlisted for the 2022 Stella Prize.
In 2023, Anita re-released her rom coms, plus her first children's book Bidhi Galing (Big Rain) illustrated by Samantha Campbell.
As an advocate for Indigenous literacy, Anita has worked in remote communities as a role model and encouraging young Indigenous Australians to write their own stories.
On an international level she has performed her own work and lectured on Aboriginal literature across the globe at universities
and conferences, consulates and embassies in the USA, Canada, the UK, Tahiti, Fiji, New Caledonia,
Spain, Japan, Austria, Germany, China, India and New Zealand. Anita is a Lifetime Ambassador for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, and a proud Ambassador for GO Foundation.
Anita's first play Tiddas, produced by La Boite Theatre had its world premiere at the 2022 Brisbane Festival. And was then presented by Belvoir St for Sydney Festival in 2024. Her latest books are Dirrayawadha (Rise Up) about the Bathurst War of 1824, and Red Dust Running.
Anita is a Professor of Communications at the University of QLD, she loves chocolate, running and being a creative disruptor.
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Testimonials:
"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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