Acclaimed artist and children's author passes away

After 47 years of challenge and achievement, acclaimed artist and children’s book creator Debbie Austin died suddenly in May 2011 at her home in Geelong. Much loved by many, Debbie leaves behind five of her children, several grandchildren, many close friends and a legacy of artistic endeavour.

A member of the stolen generation, Debbie began her creative journey 15 years ago after returning to her ‘spiritual land’ and biological family in South West Victoria.

Tragically, Debbie’s mother had long passed, but fortunately Uncle Banjo Clarke’s charismatic story-telling inspired Debbie to find her own voice through art. She saw much of her art as a way to keep his and their community’s stories alive after he died.

Predominantly a dot painter but also a sculptor and muralist, Debbie went on to sell many paintings and artworks, and held several well-received exhibitions, including at the Port Fairy Whalebone Gallery and the Warrnambool Performing Arts Centre.

In recent years, Debbie turned her talents to creating colourful children’s books, consecutively addressing Aboriginal literacy and wellbeing in the process. Debbie wrote and illustrated the successful Indigenous First Discovery Books for Discovery Press (the publishing program of Community Connections), as well as the beautiful Old Tucker Man for One Day Hill publishing. A proud grandparent, Debbie was thrilled that her grandchildren were not only great readers, but became so by reading the books she wrote.

Self-taught, Debbie still had much more she wanted to say with her art. At the time of her death, she was working on another children’s book, based on a story by Uncle Banjo, and was planning a new exhibition which she hoped to tour. She had recently begun experimenting with charcoal and water colours, though with her untimely death, there are no completed works for her fans to access and enjoy.

A good-natured and compassionate woman, Debbie made friends easily, and generously welcomed a variety of people into her life. She was well-known for her cheeky and quick sense of humor, much enjoyed by all of her friends and family. Debbie was a popular local in both Warrnambool and her recently adopted Geelong, and will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her.

Debbie was buried at her spiritual land at Framlingham Forest. She believed that on her passing she would be reunited with her late loved ones, including her mother, Uncle Banjo and two of her children who are also buried at Framlingham. Knowing Debbie, that should be one heck of a reunion.

Staff, management and the Board of Community Connections and its publishing program Discovery Press feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work with Debbie, and will miss her greatly. One of Debbie's beautiful paintings is on permanent display at the Community Connections reception area at 135 Kepler St, Warrnambool.