Kirli Saunders

Kirli Saunders OAM is a proud Gunai woman living on Yuin Country and a multidisciplinary creative whose work powerfully amplifies First Nations voices and stories across Australia and beyond. A writer, artist, performer, and educator, Kirli uses art as a tool for connection, healing, and change. Her creative practice draws deeply from Country and community, reflecting her strong ties to Yuin and Gunai lands and her commitment to celebrating Aboriginal knowledge systems and storytelling traditions.

Kirli’s award-winning body of work spans poetry, children’s literature, visual art, music, and theatre. Her acclaimed books including Bindi, Kindred, Returning, and Afloat have been recognised nationally by the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards and the The Children’s Book
Council of Australia, while Eclipse and Yarraman continue her exploration of identity, belonging, and Country. Her play Going Home and short films such as Cry of the Glossy have been showcased on international stages and screens.

A respected collaborator, Kirli has partnered with leading cultural and corporate organisations including the Sydney Opera House, National Geographic, Google, Spotify, Mecca, Aesop and Qantas to infuse Aboriginal perspectives across diverse platforms. She founded the Poetry in First Languages program and co-developed the Create NSW Aboriginal Arts and Culture Protocols, which ensure the interests and rights of Aboriginal artists are protected and provide guidance for the broader Arts community.

Beyond the arts, Kirli contributes to education, reconciliation, and sustainability through her advisory, mentoring, and diversity, equity and inclusion work. Her projects honour Country, language, and community, continuing a proud legacy of Yuin and Gunai storytelling that enriches Australia’s cultural landscape.