Celebrate the launch of Muttonfish Magic, a new children’s book by Bidjigal Elder Aunty Ruth Simms and co-author Lucy Robertson.
In this enchanting book, Aunty Ruth shares cherished childhood memories of fishing and abalone hunting with her mother and brothers. Join Aunty Ruth and Lucy Robertson for a live reading and conversation, accompanied by Jerome Comisari, Cultural Liaison Manager at Bundanon, as they explore the making of the book and the rich stories woven throughout.
This family-friendly event includes storytime and welcomes both adults and children.
Event timings
- 10am: Smoking Ceremony by Matt Simms
- 10.30: Storytime – Authors Aunty Ruth Simms and Lucy Robertson read Muttonfish Magic, recommended for children aged 5-12
- 11am: Talk – Co-authors Aunty Ruth Simms and Lucy Robertson in conversation with Jerome Comisari, Cultural Liaison Manager at Bundanon
Muttonfish Magic is published by Magabala Books.
Aunty Ruth Simms
Aunty Ruth Simms was born on The Reserve in La Perouse in 1941 as one of nine children. She grew up with a strong connection to both Larpa and Jerrinja cultures. From a young age she learnt about traditional bush foods, language and medicines and went to sleep on ‘goonjarn’ stories (ancient spirit stories). Today, Ruth lives in Nowra with her daughter Trudy and works as an Aboriginal Education Officer (AEO) in local primary schools. She has a Diploma of Education and is passionate about embedding Indigenous perspectives into the curriculum. She is currently the longest serving AEO at the NSW Department of Education and remains a strong advocate for her people. In 2012, Aunty Ruth was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her contributions to education.
Lucy Robertson
Lucy Robertson is a primary school Teacher Librarian and has always been passionate about good stories. She grew up on a vineyard and winery in Mudgee before studying journalism and creative writing, later completing an education degree after a move to the South Coast surfing village of Culburra Beach.
When Lucy first started working with Aunty Ruth, she was struck by her beautiful stories of fishing, crabbing and shell work with her family in La Perouse and ‘The Dock’ in Orient Point, eventually convincing her to start writing them down for future generations.
