Cirrus@Austlit

'Presents contemporary writing and art by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from around Australia. Discover the story of Payback Records, an Indigenous hip hop label founded by Essendon footballer Nathan Lovett-Murray. Some stunning photography by Wayne Quilliam, National NAIDOC Artist of the Year 2009. An interview with Kim Kruger, Project Manager of the famous Michael Long Walk. And artist/photographer Bindi Cole with writer Jirra Lulla Harvey, giving an insight into the stories of the Sista Girls from the Tiwi Islands, including Bindi's photograph that won the 2009 Deadly Art Award. Exceptional stories and poetry from Tony Birch, Ali Cobby Eckermann, John Harding, Dennis Fisher, Brenda Saunders, Nellie Green, Shirley Morgan, Katie Wyatt and many more; as well as book and music reviews.'  (Publication summary)

'Outstanding new fiction from the Miles Franklin-shortlisted author of Blood

'In this breathtaking new work, Tony Birch affirms his position as one of Australia’s finest writers of short-form fiction.

'Using his unflinching creative gaze, he ponders love and loss and faith. A trio of amateur thieves are left in charge of a baby moments before a heist. A group of boys compete in the final of a marbles tournament, only to find their biggest challenge was the opponent they didn’t see coming. Two young friends find a submerged car in their local swimming hole and become obsessed by the mystery of the driver’s identity.

'Across twelve blistering stories, The Promise delivers a sensitive and often humorous take on the lives of those who have loved, lost and wandered.' (Publication summary)