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Welcome to Discovery Press

We are a non-profit Australian publisher, specialising in children’s books and Australian stories and images. Based in Barwon South West Victoria, we use mainly local artists and creators to tell both local and broader stories. We are currently working with several Aboriginal artists and story-tellers on a new range of Aboriginal children’s stories, due for release next year.

 

Farewelling Discovery Press colleague and friend 

debbie_signing_at_1st_launch_small.jpgAcclaimed artist and children's author Debbie Austin passes away

After 47 years of challenge and achievement, acclaimed artist and children’s book creator Debbie Austin died suddenly in May 2011 at her home in Geelong. Much loved by many, Debbie leaves behind five of her children, several grandchildren, many close friends and a legacy of artistic endeavour.

A member of the stolen generation, Debbie began her creative journey 15 years ago after returning to her ‘spiritual land’ and biological family in South West Victoria.

Tragically, Debbie’s mother had long passed, but fortunately Uncle Banjo Clarke’s charismatic story-telling inspired Debbie to find her own voice through art. She saw much of her art as a way to keep his and their community’s stories alive after he died.

Predominantly a dot painter but also a sculptor and muralist, Debbie went on to sell many paintings and artworks, and held several well-received exhibitions, including at the Port Fairy Whalebone Gallery and the Warrnambool Performing Arts Centre.

In recent years, Debbie turned her talents to creating colourful children’s books, consecutively addressing Aboriginal literacy and wellbeing in the process. Debbie wrote and illustrated the successful Indigenous First Discovery Books for Discovery Press (the publishing program of Community Connections), as well as the beautiful Old Tucker Man for One Day Hill publishing. A proud grandparent, Debbie was thrilled that her grandchildren were not only great readers, but became so by reading the books she wrote.

 

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New Books

At the Billabong
At the Billabong
People & Places
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Farewelling Discovery Press colleague and friend

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