We respectfully caution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers that this webpage contains images of people who have passed away.

Gracie Green (left) with co-authors Lucille Gill (dec.) and Joe Tramacchi.

Magabala's thoughts are with the family and friends of renowned kukatja artist and storyteller Grace (Gracie) Green, who has passed away.

Gracie was an illustrator and author of Tjarany Roughtail, one of Magabala’s oldest children’s picture books, first published in 1992 and still in print. The book won Magabala’s first Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Award in the Eve Pownall category in 1993.

Gracie was born at Billaluna Station in the Kimberley in Western Australia and grew up at Balgo mission. Her parents experienced first contact and came from the desert in the 30’s or 40’s from country called Kartamarnti. Whil Gracie lived at bording school during term, during the school holidays her family would tell her stories of how they lived off the land and share their way of life. In this way she also learnt the dreamtime stories of her mother’s and father’s country, and sharing these stories was a lifelong joy for her. “I always tell my children about their grandmother and grandfather Country.” 

She was a renowned traditional artist and her paintings and sculptures have appeared in numerous exhibitions and publications throughout Australia. You can find her paintings in the Art Gallery of NSW and the National Gallery of Victoria. 

Our thoughts are with her family and friends during this sad time.