‘sink beneath the surface into myriad

voices speaking in stone’

- from On Danggu by Nandi Chinna

In this episode of 3CR's Spoken Word show which aired on Thursday 20 March 2025, you will hear poet Nandi Chinna talk about the eco-poetics of wild rivers, listening and reciprocal relationships.

Nandi Chinna works as a research consultant, educator, and poet. She is based on unceded Aboriginal land in Boorloo (Perth) and Bunuba lands in Fitzroy Crossing, WA. Her poetry has its genesis in a strong determination to craft creative works and poetry as a response to the ecologies and layers of history attached to particular places.

Nandi is the author of four poetry collections.  The Future Keepers (Fremantle Press) was shortlisted for the Prime Ministers Literary Award in 2020 and was highly commended in the Victorian Premiers Prize 2019. Nandi was awarded the 2021 Western Australian Premiers Writing Fellowship. Her most recent collection, a collaboration with Niykina Elder Professor Anne Poelina, Tossed up by the beak of a Cormorant, poems of the Martuwarra River, was published by Fremantle Press in 2024.

Poems written and performed by Nandi Chinna in this episode:

• On Danggu
• Reciprocal Gifts
• At Yirramalay Spring

Note

Spoken word and poetry come from the heart and touch on all the topics peculiar to the human condition. As such there may be content in this show that could cause distress. Please practice self-care when listening and seek help if you need it.

Credits

Recorded and produced by Indrani Perera.

Thank you to Nandi Chinna for sharing her poetry and to you for listening!