Appearances
From the Opera House to the Australian Consulate in Chennai, Corporate to local community events, Gunai Woman Kirli Saunders (OAM) has had experience speaking across a multitude of stages. She is an award-winning writer, artist, and model who uses her platform to advocate for the environment, gender, racial equality, and LGBTIQA+ rights. Passionate about enlivening spaces, Kirli has partnered with global organisations, including Google, Fender, Sydney Opera House, Qantas, Spotify, Mecca and Aesop, to celebrate stories and cultivate change.
In 2024, Kirli is focusing on writing her debut novel, Yaraman. You can meet her at Blak & Bright Festival, Aukland Writer’s Festival, Sydney Writer’s Festival, Berry Writers Festival, Cement Fondu & State Library of NSW.
Television & Media Appearences
Playschool - ‘BIG TED’S TIME MACHINE’
Kirli Saunders was invited to be a special guest on the popular children’s television series, Playschool. Kirli appeared in Series 366, episode 5 and along with Play School, gets ready to time travel as they step back in time and look to the future.
StoryBox Library Collaborations
Storybox Library has invited Kirli Saunders to appear in multiple productions. By reading her books, Our Dreaming and The Incredible Freedom Machines, among others, she takes students beyond her writing.
Kirli was also invited as a guest in two lessons on the third series of Story Tools. In Lesson 3, Kirli and Elise Hurst explore one of the main story ‘building blocks’ - the setting. And in Lesson 12, Kirli and Ben McKenzie encourage students to develop their appreciation for reading and to understand the importance of setting aside time for reading in their day.
Our Dreaming
Goodjagah, little one, walk with me ... I want to tell you our Dreaming as the Elders told it to me.
Award-winning storytellers, Gunai woman Kirli Saunders and Bigambul man Dub Leffler, explore a deep love and respect for Country and all her spirits ... past, present and beyond.
Read by Kirli Saunders.
The Incredible Freedom Machines
Ever since she heard about them, a young girl has dreamt of having her very own incredible freedom machine - a machine that will allow her to break boundaries, explore the world and learn more about herself than she could have dreamed possible. It seems, however, the machines are not so easy to come by. Will she have the patience and perseverance to find her very own freedom machine?
Intricate and striking images by multi award-winning illustrator Matt Ottley, combined with reflective and thoughtful words from first time author, Kirli Saunders, create a beautiful tale of exploration and self-discovery.
The Incredible Freedom Machines, read by Kirli Saunders herself, will have you wondering... what is my freedom machine, and where will it take me?
WugulOra Morning Ceremony
Kirli Saunders was the MC for WugulOra, Nationally broadcast from Gadigal Lands, Jan 26 on ABC, 2022 & 2023. WugulOra Morning Ceremony celebrates the world’s oldest living culture through dance, music and language with performances by the Koomurri Aboriginal Dancers Christine & Zippora Anu and Barayagal Chior. WugulOra was delivered by Government NSW & Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Lands Council.
Podcasts
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Kirli Saunders on Poetry and Multi-disciplinary Practice
An award-winning author and multidisciplinary artist. Kirli’s books include Bindi, Kindred and Returning. Her play, Going Home, is in development, as is her first novel, Yaraman. In 2022, she was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for her contribution to the arts.
Join in the conversation with Kirli and Astrid as Kirli takes us through her practice in her second appearance on The Garret.
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At home with Kirli Saunders
Join Kirli and Astrid for The Garret, Writers on Writing; Kirli explores her award-winning verse novel, Bindi, celebrated Kindred and her creative process.
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Women Rule
Growing older can be daunting. And for many women in particular, it can be downright terrifying. Kirli Saunders and her mum Joyce join Melissa Doyle (Sunrise, Sunday Night) for Age Against The Machine episode 4.
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How to navigate Australian Day (Invasion Day)
Join this conversation between author, educator and Gunai woman Kirli Saunders and Gomeroi Social Worker & Campaigner, Rachael McPhail who discuss how you and your family can respectfully honour First Nations people on January 26th
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Kirli Saunders Will Never Question Why She Loves Who She Loves
Kirli Saunders is a storyteller, poet, artist, and teacher by trade. And, as you’re about to find out, there’s something about Kirli that feels like a big warm hug. To be in her presence is a true gift…
Buungbaa-ma-ndhu – rise (as the sun), all of you.
Award winning Gundungurra raised Gunai Writer and Artist, Kirli Saunders (OAM), energizes mugaru (cold winter) with her synchronous installation of language and light, Buungbaa-ma-ndhu meaning rise (as the sun), all of you.
Narrated and performed by Kirli Saunders
Performances
Kirli presenting Tidal at Sydney Opera House on Gadigal lands, 2021
Modelling
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Maara Collective
photo credit: Kerrie Stanley 2022
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Zoe Kratzmann
photo credit: Kaz McGrath 2020
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Witchery
photo credit: Maclay-Heriot 2021
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Witchery
photo credit: Natalie Boog
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Zoe Kratzmann
photo credit: Kaz McGrath 2020
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Zoe Kratzmann
photo credit: Kaz McGrath 2020
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Seed Heritage X Allbright 2022
photo credit: Julie Adams 2022
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Ihraa Swim x Bobbilockyer 2022
AAFW
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Seed Heritage x Allbright
photo credit: Julie Adams 2022
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Ilkuntji Artists X Deanne McEwen
AAFW
