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Näku Dhäruk: The Bark Petitions

How the People of Yirrkala Changed the Course of Australian Democracy

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Näku Dhäruk: The Bark Petitions

By: Clare Wright
Narrated by: Clare Wright, Greg Fryer
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In 1963 – a year of agitation for civil rights worldwide – the Yolŋu of northeast Arnhem Land created the Yirrkala Bark Petitions: Näku Dhäruk. 'The land grew a tongue' and the land-rights movement was born.

Näku Dhäruk is the story of a founding document in Australian democracy and the trailblazers who made it. It is also a pulsating picture of the ancient and enduring culture of Australia's first peoples. And it is a masterful, groundbreaking history.

Read by Professor Clare Wright with Greg Fryer.

2025, The Age Book of the Year Award Non-Fiction, Short-listed

2025, Nib Literary Award (aka 'The Nib': CAL Waverley Library Award for Literature), Long-listed

2025, Prime Minister's Literary Awards Australian History, Short-listed

2025, Australian Political Book of the Year Award, Winner

2025, NSW History Awards Australian History Prize, Short-listed

2025, Queensland Literary Awards The University of Queensland Non-Fiction Book Award, Winner

2025, Walkley Book Award, Short-listed

2026, NSW Premier's Literary Awards (prev. NSW Premier's Literary Awards) Douglas Stewart Prize for Non-Fiction, Winner

2026, NSW Literary Awards (prev. NSW Premier's Literary Awards) Book of the Year Award, Winner

©2024 Clare Wright (P)2025 Bolinda Publishing Australia, New Zealand & Oceania Politics & Government Social Sciences Women in Politics
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Critic reviews

'A masterful and definitive account of one of the most important political documents in Australian history. Wright brings to life this moving story of unwavering Yolngu resistance and the enduring legacy of their political actions.' (Larissa Behrendt, distinguished professor at University of Technology Sydney)
'A major contribution…This is Australian political history in its most urgent form.' (Prof. John Carty, author of Sun and Shadow)
'A story that cannot be forgotten [by] one of Australia’s most revered historians.' (National Indigenous Times)
'A stunning work of history. Deep and rich, complex and expansive.' (Prof. Anna Clark, author of Making Australian History)
'Get the third in this trilogy. Get all of them …They’re fantastic, they’re gripping, and beautifully presented and written.' (James Valentine, ABC Radio NSW)
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