Karajia and Environment Awards for Children's Literature

Shelley Ware is a proud Yankunytjatjara, Kokatha and Wirangu woman from Tandanya / Adelaide, now based in Naarm / Melbourne. She is an experienced educator, author and media presenter, known for her work across classrooms, community and sport. Shelley is the author of 'We Are Matildas' and creates engaging teacher resources aligned to the Australian Curriculum, supporting educators to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives with confidence and care. A passionate advocate for storytelling, Shelley has been an ambassador for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation for over a decade, working alongside communities to celebrate language, culture and literacy. She also brings her voice to television, radio and live events, drawing on more than 20 years in media, including AFL coverage and hosting roles. Through all her work, Shelley is committed to creating culturally safe spaces, amplifying First Nations voices and inspiring the next generation. Photo: SBS Aaron Wan

John Williamson is, without question, an Australian Icon. His entertainment career spans more than fifty-five years, boasting sales of over five million albums. His unofficial anthems, funny and tender ballads and tributes to unsung heroes have captured the spirit of the nation in song more than any other performer. He remains one of the most in-demand live performers in Australia. His fiftieth album, 'Honest People', was released in 2014 at the same time as his autobiography, 'Hey True Blue' and in 2025 he released his fifty-second, 'How Many Songs'. Three songs from his popular 'JW’s Family Album' have been made into delightful, entertaining picture books for children. Last year, his children's book 'Voice of the Sea' was shortlisted for the Environment Award for Children's Literature, and he is thrilled to join the judging panel in 2026.

Marlee Silva is a proud Gamilaroi and Dunghutti woman, born and raised on Dharrawal Country, south of Sydney. She has built a dynamic media career grounded in storytelling for good. A best-selling author, her published works include 'My Tidda, My Sister: stories of strength and resilience from Australia's First Women', 'Stand Proud', which she co-wrote with NRL star Nicho Hynes, and the children’s book 'For 60,000 Years', which introduces young readers to the richness of First Nations culture and history. Marlee is a sideline reporter with Channel Nine’s Wide World of Sports rugby league coverage and host of the podcast 'Marlee and Me', where she speaks with some of the biggest names in sport about family, identity, and culture. Her work sits at the intersection of sport and social change. Her latest project, 'Skin In The Game', an NITV and SBS documentary for which she is Host and Executive Producer, explores how rugby league can help address gendered violence in Australia. Marlee brings to every conversation a deep commitment to amplifying voices and perspectives that often go unheard, using storytelling to spark positive change. Her book 'For 60,000 Years' was shortlisted in the 2025 Karajia and Environment Awards for Children's Literature, and Marlee is excited to be part of the judging panel in 2026.

Aunty Munya is an Elder from the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Like many Aboriginal people, she has learned to work and live in two worlds. Educated in Australia and the USA, she has degrees in anthropology and law. She has practised law in Victoria and New South Wales as a solicitor and barrister, and is equally well-versed in the traditional laws, customs and practices of her People. Aunty Munya is the co-director of Evolve Communities, which specialises in cultural awareness training and ally accreditation. Her book 'Ask Aunty: Bush Survival Skills' won the Karajia Award for Children's Literature in 2025, and she is very excited to be on the judging panel in 2026.

Linden Ashcroft grew up in country Victoria on the lands of the Yorta Yorta people and is a senior lecturer in climate science and science communication at The University of Melbourne. Her career has spanned the academic, non for profit and government sectors, including a stint at the Bureau of Meteorology. Her research areas include past climate variability, historical weather data rescue and quality assessment, citizen science, and the communication of climate science. Linden is a regular on community radio, gives frequent public talks and has received many awards for her dedication to communication and outreach. Photo: University of Melbourne

Kristin Darell has been a passionate storyteller since she was a child. Whether it was making up adventures with her twin sister or writing about the world around her, she was rarely found without a pen and paper in hand. As an adult, she made this passion her life. She worked as a broadcast news and sports journalist for major Australian news organisations for more than twenty years. After the birth of her two children, Kristin re-focussed her attention on writing for children. As an author, she has contributed to children’s writing anthologies and is the acclaimed author of the 'Football Fever' series with Football Australia, the 'Taronga presents' series and her new series: 'It’s a Twin Thing'. Kristin is a strong advocate for children’s literature, working as the Program Director for the Australian Children’s Laureate Foundation. She lives on Sydney’s northern beaches with her husband, two children, two dogs, pet snake and three-legged pygmy bearded dragon. Her book 'Taronga presents: Baby Boom' was shortlisted for the Environment Award for Children's Literature in 2025, and she is thrilled to join the 2026 judging panel.