Näku Dhäruk: The Bark Petitions cover art

Näku Dhäruk: The Bark Petitions

How the People of Yirrkala Changed the Course of Australian Democracy

 Preview
Try Premium Plus free
1 credit a month to buy any audiobook in our entire collection.
Access to thousands of additional audiobooks and Originals from the Plus Catalogue.
Member-only deals & discounts.
Auto-renews at $16.45/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Näku Dhäruk: The Bark Petitions

By: Clare Wright
Narrated by: Clare Wright, Greg Fryer
Try Premium Plus free

Auto-renews at $16.45/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $26.99

Buy Now for $26.99

About this listen

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, Long-listed

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

2025, Australian Political Book of the Year, Long-listed

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

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

©2024 Clare Wright (P)2025 Bolinda Publishing Australia, New Zealand & Oceania Indigenous Studies Politics & Government Social Sciences Specific Demographics Women in Politics

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)
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.