Dr. Leonie Norrington grew up in Arnhem Land and was adopted by Yolngu woman Clare Bush. Under Clare's supervision Leonie wrote children's books set in remote Australia, and many were shortlisted for, or won, major Australian literary awards. 

Leonie's most recent work is a historical novel set during pre-colonial times published by Allen and Unwin. The book was written under the supervision of her Yolngu family and story holders along the coast of Arnhem Land. Leonie writes in a mix of English, Kriol and Indigenous languages. A TV series based on The Barrumbi Kids is available on Netflix.

If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?

Wonggu Mununggur, Djapu clan leader in the 1930 in Blue Mud Bay area. He is one of my adopted ancestors. I would love to hear from him the true story of the conflict between Japanese fishermen and his families.