In the Yanyuwa language spoken by families in Borroloola, Northern Territory—Balarinji’s origin community—Bajirru means ‘There you are, hello’. The book invites readers to slow down and engage mindfully with 65,000 years of continuous Aboriginal culture, art, and creation stories.
Designed to appeal to art lovers, colouring enthusiasts, and gift-seekers, Bajirru invites us to come walk Country, “where everything is connected and has been since anyone can remember”.
Balarinji Co-Founder and Emeritus Chair, Yanyuwa man John Moriarty AM said, “Art keeps the stories of Country strong, whether it’s painted ochre on ceremony dancers, sand designs along songlines, or rock engravings passed down through generations.”
Readers are guided through four collections of images that reflect Australia through an Aboriginal story and ecological lens:
Desert Country: Features red escarpments, sun-scorched rocks, and clan camps gathered near sweetwater springs.
Freshwater Country: Captures rivergrass, billabongs, blooming waterlilies, and paperbark trees.
Saltwater Country: Depicts estuary currents, barramundi, mangrove roots, and dugout canoes traveling to ceremony places.
Sky Country: Celebrates night skies, the rising moon, Spirit Ancestors, and constellations.
