1. Birds
2. Cockatoos
3. Culture
4. Family relationships
5. Friendship
6. Glossaries and vocabularies
7. Home
8. Identity
9. Indigenous knowledge
10. Kimberley region (W.A.)
11. Nature Conservation
12. Relationships
13. Resilience
14. Respect
15. Social life and customs
16. Stories and motifs
17. Wildlife conservation

‘Ngurra Home’ is the final book in the series of three about Mia growing up and exploring her identity as a First Nations person, firstly in ‘Black Cockatoo’, then as she experiences boarding school in ‘Dirrarn’. ‘Ngurra Home’ completes the trilogy. Mia is now in Boorloo (Perth) where she is in her final semester of university studying Conservation and Wildlife Science. When her grandfather becomes ill she returns home to Country. There she is called upon to protect her Country using both her university and cultural knowledge.

In ‘Black Cockatoo’ the first book in this trilogy we met Mia at around 12 years of age when she was establishing her identity and place in her outback community. In ‘Dirrarn’ we followed her to boarding school in Perth where she experienced both her Western and Jaru worlds as well as homesickness, racism and bullying. In this final, third book in the series, ‘Ngurra Home’, Mia uses both her Western and traditional knowledge to become an advocate to stop a threat to her land and community. Mia combines her university studies with her cultural knowledge handed down to her through her Kimberley family. With this knowledge Mia is able to share cultural responsibilities with her grandfather and also with the community to protect and prevent its exploitation.

‘Ngurra Home’ is topical. It covers the ongoing debate about the competing demands of conservation and mining. When Mia discovers a test site clearly toxic to animals she is challenged to bring her culture and education to bear on the situation. Readers will easily relate to Mia and experience these challenging times with her. The two previous books in this trilogy, ‘Black Cockatoo’ and ‘Dirrarn’, also appear in this database.

‘Ngurra Home’ includes a two-page glossary at the front of the book of Jaru, Kriol, Aboriginal English and Noongar words used in the story. These are important for understanding the story. Dub Leffler’s soft grey pencil sketches scattered throughout the story add atmosphere and moments of reflection.

Carl Merrison is a Jaru and Kija man from Halls Creek in the Kimberleys in Western Australia. He works with young Indigenous boys through the Clontarf Academy focusing on improving engagement with education and providing a positive role model. Carl was awarded State Finalist of the Australian of the Year Award - Local Hero for Western Australia in 2016 for his work as lifeguard, football coach, Clontarf worker and youth mentor.

Hakea Hustler is an experienced English teacher who has taught around Australia including in remote Aboriginal communities. She holds a Bachelor of Education, Graduate Certificate of Special Needs and is a facilitator of Trauma Informed Teaching and Classroom Management Skills (CMS). 

Dub Leffler is descended from the Bigambul and Mandandanji people of southwest Queensland as well as being of French, Syrian and Irish heritage.

‘Ngurra Home’ is the third and final book in the series. The first book is ‘Black Cockatoo’ and the second is ‘Dirrarn’.

1. Reading Time 24 Oct 2025 review by Margot Hillel of ‘Ngurra Home’ https://readingtime.cbca.org.au/ngurra-home/
2. Good Reading Magazine Jul 2025 Features a Q&A with Carl Merrison and Hakea Hustler on ‘Ngurra Home’ https://goodreadingmagazine.com.au/article/carl-merrison-and-hakea-hustler-on-ngurra-home/
3. Good Reading Magazine Nov 2023 https://goodreadingmagazine.com.au/article/carl-merrison-hakea-hustler-on-dirrarn/
4. Hakea Hustler & Carl Merrison website https://carlandhakea.com.au/extras/teachers-and-librarians/
5. ReadPlus 7 Nov 2025 review by Sue Speck of ‘Ngurra Home’ https://www.readplus.com.au/reviews/ngurra-home
6. YouTube Kit Lit Joy Young Adult Book Review of ‘Ngurra Home’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRJjgl0hcLk
7. Hakea Hustler & Carl Merrison website 10 Aug 2025 ‘Much anticipated final book in the series ‘Black Cockatoo’ https://carlandhakea.com.au/much-anticipated-final-book-in-the-black-cockatoo-series-released/