Chris Sarra Chris Sarra i(A101358 works by)
Gender: Male
Heritage: Aboriginal ; Gooreng Gooreng / Gureng Gureng / Gurang Gurang ; Aboriginal Taribelang
The material on this page is available to AustLit subscribers. If you are a subscriber or are from a subscribing organisation, please log in to gain full access. To explore options for subscribing to this unique teaching, research, and publishing resource for Australian culture and storytelling, please contact us or find out more.

Works By

Preview all
1 Celebrating Difference : Transcending Contamination with Humanity Chris Sarra , 2018 single work autobiography
— Appears in: Griffith Review , no. 60 2018; (p. 271-279)

'I've experienced the transcendental power of switching from a toxic narrative of low expectations and negative stereotypes to a new one in which we are all strong and smart: young, black and deadly. And I survived the gruelling dynamics that have undermined the truth about who we are as Aboriginal people, solidly anchored by ancient connections to the land we now share; traversed far beyond the shadows of Plato’s cave, embracing instead a world more vibrant and full of potential than anyone thought possible in this lifetime.' (Introduction)

1 7 y separately published work icon Good Morning, Mr Sarra : My Life Working for a Stronger, Smarter Future for Our Children My Life Working for a Stronger, Smarter Future for Our Children Chris Sarra , St Lucia : University of Queensland Press , 2012 Z1906540 2012 single work autobiography Chris Sarra is best-known nationally as the school principal who turned around the toxic culture and poor attendance rates at Cherbourg State School in Queensland. Slowly, Sarra's 'Strong and Smart' vision lifted community expectations and transformed Cherbourg into a school with below-average rates of truancy, growth in student numbers and low levels of vandalism. Under Chris' leadership the school became nationally acclaimed for its pursuit of the 'Strong and Smart' philosophy and Chris' work there was featured on ABC's Australian Story (2004). In November 2009 he was named Queensland's Australian of the Year. Good Morning, Mr Sarra is the story of the ordinary, yet extraordinary, life behind this vision. From his childhood as one of ten children in a country town, to the galvanising of his educational philosophy at university, to its support at a national level. Now with his Stronger Smarter Institute, Chris Sarra is pursuing and achieving improved outcomes in literary, numeracy and attendance for Indigenous children across the country. By providing leadership and education to a new generation of Aboriginal students,he is offering them the means to determine their own futures.(Publisher blurb)
1 2 y separately published work icon Dingoes Are Not Dogs Chris Sarra , Cherbourg State School (illustrator), Murgon : Budurra Books , 2011 Z1855047 2011 single work picture book children's

Dingoes Are Not Dogs is a story about recognising and appreciating difference, and about friendship and reconciliation.

1 Armed for Success Chris Sarra , 2006 single work essay
— Appears in: Griffith Review , Autumn no. 11 2006; (p. 187-194) The Best Australian Essays 2006 2006; (p. 138-148)
1 y separately published work icon Beware of Crabs Pam Townsend , Chris Sarra , Coorparoo : AccessEd , 2004 Z1457558 2004 single work children's fiction children's
X