Musicians and visual artists, Mark Chester Harding and Gunai woman, Kirli Saunders both make Cooee and joined Vanessa Morris on Banksia to talk all about debut album Messengers.

They spoke about the creative collaboration where the songs were all written based on existing poems of Kirli’s and demos of Mark, and where their songs speak to themes of connection to and caring for Country, language and culture, grief and joy. They also spoke about their approach in creating videos and artwork.

Kirli spoke about lead single Welcome which tells the story of travelling back to her Great Grandmother's (Mary Elizabeth Stephen's) Gunai Country, and connecting with the Land, Skies and Waters there.

Building on their creative collaboration, in 2025 Kirli wrote children's book Beyond the Shore which features illustrations by Mark and gently encourages young ones to step beyond fear into curiosity.

Listen to Messengers

Learn more about Beyond The Shore

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