Meb Ata

About the Author

“I’ve always loved writing. When I lived on Murray Island and lived with my grandmother I was obsessed with the Moon.” Merwez Whaleboat is a Torres Strait Islander woman from Murray Island in the Eastern district of the Torres Strait. Her first language is Meriam Mir and she has a deep love of storytelling, always informed by women’s stories about kinship and connection among women, and largely set against the beautiful sea and land of the Torres Strait. Merwez, who has a double degree in Arts and Education from Deakin University, majoring in drama and literature, is a teacher, actor, poet and cultural advisor. She sings traditional action songs, tells stories, and imparts cultural learning to children. A passionate reader, her dream is to publish children's books to improve learning and literary outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Merwez was nominated for an AFI nomination for Best Supporting Actress for RAN: Remote Area Nurse in 2006, followed by roles in Warwick Thornton’s The Darkside and several television productions. Her poetry features in Mangoes on Fire, an anthology published by the Tropical Writers Group of Cairns. Sharon Phineasa is a Torres Strait Islander artist and proud descendant of the Ayth-Koedal (Crocodile) and Dhoeybaw (Wild Yam) clans of Dauan and Saibai Islands in the Top Western Torres Strait. Sharon’s artistic practice is deeply inspired by Kulba Adhil (traditional stories), myths and legends shared by Island Elders, particularly her grandfather, a respected artefact carver. Her childhood experiences on her Island home have nurtured a strong cultural connection to her ancestors, heritage and identity. Drawing on the vibrant colours of the Islands and the intricate detail characteristic of Torres Strait Islander art, Sharon works across a range of mediums including painting, printmaking, collage, sculpture and carving. Her artworks are represented in significant collections, including the National Gallery of Australia. Alongside her creative practice, Sharon works in education support, where she is committed to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people. Through culturally responsive and holistic support, she helps create pathways that foster personal growth, leadership development and future professional opportunities.