Neridah McMullin

Author, Storyteller/Performer

Neridah is an inspiring presenter who knows how to connect with her students, making Australian history, Indigenous history and Sport accessible to children in a fun and engaging way.

Where were you born?

I was born in Hamilton, a small country town in south-west Victoria in the same hospital that my parents and my grandparents were born. I’m pretty sure it was a different obstetrician though.

What other jobs have you had?

I’ve had a lot of different jobs but my last one was very cool. I studied Food Science at Uni and in one of my roles I spent fifteen years working in Research and Development in the Flavour Development of Dairy & Confectionery Products. It was very experimental and I spent my days developing new flavours and recipes and trialing them from a laboratory scale to factory scale. I was literally a ‘mad scientist’ in my lab coat, hairnet and blundstone boots. I ate chocolate or cheese (or sometimes both at the same time) from dawn until dusk. It was a dream job and I was lucky enough to work all over the world including throughout South East Asia, Europe, the U.K and in the United States of America.

What themes are recurring in your work?

The recurring themes in my books are: Australian history, Indigenous History and Sport. These also cover issues such as a ‘sense of belonging’, social justice and celebrating the acceptance of difference.

What have been the highlights of your career?

It’s a pleasure to hold any book I’ve written in my hands, and of course, sharing them with children is always gold. Also, having Fabish shortlisted in the CBCA Book of the Year ( Eve Pownall Award) in 2017 was such an honour too.

Where have your works been published?

• Fabish: the horse that braved a Bushfire published by Allen & Unwin (2016)
• Knockabout Cricket published by One Day Hill (2015)
• Sweet Baby Magpie Picture Book published by Collingwood Football Club (2013)
• Shoulder to Shoulder (2013) Chapter Book series with Collingwood Football Club
• Side by Side (2012) Chapter Book series with Collingwood Football Club
• Kick it to Me! published by One Day Hill (2012)
• Ponkidoodle self published with Little Steps at New Frontier

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about Australian history and my goal is to make it fun and engaging to children. Australian history rocks, but there’s so much we don’t know about it. I’m also passionate about sport, family, my pets and Port Fairy.

Haven’t I seen you before?

Maybe in the stands next to Joffa Corfe cheering on the mighty Pies?

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

• I’m a qualified Cheese Maker & Pastueriser
• I can’t add up (words are my friends)
• I have acute hearing (bionic, actually)
• I’m a collector of the unusual: stones, bones, feathers, old china, rare books, maps, deceased bugs
• I love Yoga
• I can crack a mean stockwhip
• I ran the Melbourne Marathon in 1998 (I don’t recommend it)
• I’m NAUI Openwater 1 Scuba Diver
• I’ve trekked the Inca Trail to Macchu Pichu in Peru, South America.