Free Diving

Teacher Resource

Publisher's synopsis

A poignant tribute to the Aboriginal men and women who worked in the pearling industry as ‘free divers’ in the late nineteenth century in Western Australia. The fictionalised lyrical narrative is based on the celebrated song ‘Free Diving’ by singer–songwriter Lorrae Coffin. It sensitively reflects the emotional journey of a young man who leaves family and country to work on a lugger with Japanese and Malay divers by his side. Bronwyn Houston’s illustrations are a deep-sea celebration that illuminate both the glory of the ocean and the extreme dangers encountered by the free divers.

Listen to Lorrae’s song ‘Free Diving’ on the Magabala YouTube channel.

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Lorrae Coffin

Lorrae Coffin is a descendant of the Nyiyaparli and Yindijibarndi people of the Pilbara in Western Australia. She is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, singer–songwriter and a co-founder of the internationally acclaimed Marrugeku Company, a leader in intercultural dance theatre. She is recognised throughout Australia for her knowledge of the Indigenous Arts Music Industry.

Bronwyn Houston

Bronwyn Houston is descended from the Nyiyaparli and Yindjiparndi people of the Wana clan in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Bronwyn was born and bred in Broome and draws her inspiration from the natural world she knows and loves. Bronwyn also works as a graphic designer and has a keen interest in music and photography.