I grew up in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, in a Yolngu community called Ramingining. My sister and I were often the only white (Balanda) kids in town. Our playmates were Yolngu and spoke a smattering of English. We spoke a smattering of Djinang and Gupapuyngu - hello, goodbye, yes, no, and a couple of swear words we picked up whilst playing chasey or tin-game. There were about six to nine different languages spoken in town at any one time. 

My Dad was a linguist and grammar specialist, and my Mum worked in mother-tongue literacy (teaching people to read and write in their own languages). We were privileged to be assigned skin names (I'm Gamandjan), and my parents ensured that we respected the Yolngu kinship and belief systems. 

I've always known I had a unique upbringing, and was lucky to experience living cross-culturally in a remote location in my formative years. It's something I have always wanted to share with my children, who have lived their whole lives in a big city. This was the impetus for this book. 

There are many children who live cross-culturally around Australia today. When we share our stories we contribute to social cohesion and understanding. 'Just Like You' is my love letter to the people and places of my specific upbringing. The elder who approved my book from a Yolngu perspective said to me something like this - 'It's very good to show Balanda the Yolngu way of living, and Balanda and Yolngu living together.'

I hope you enjoy the book. Just Like You is published by Walker Books Australia.