Big Things Grow: A memoir of teaching on Country in Wilcannia

by Sarah Donnelley

An inspiring memoir about passion, music and community within a remote outback town, from the winner of the 2020 ARIA Award for Music Teacher of the Year.

This red dirt, it takes a hold of you. The blue skies, the sunsets, the starry nights, the river... Country holds onto you. Then you meet the people. Within one week of living in Wilcannia, I had signed up to stay until the end of the year.

When Sarah Donnelley left Sydney to take up a teaching post in Wilcannia, a small town two-hours drive east of Broken Hill, she was determined to ignore the rumours of Wilcannia's reputation for danger and dysfunction. Four fulfilling years later, Sarah is an active member of a rich, complex school community that is transforming the idea of the conventional classroom experience.

Making deep connections with Aboriginal Elders and local families, and taking her students out on Country as often as she can, Sarah has focused her teaching practice on empowering, listening and creating space for respectful conversations.

Big Things Grow is a powerful memoir about community, music and passion, laying bare the beauty and challenges of living in a part of Australia that is often overlooked.

'A love story to Wilcannia and its people... It's a tale of light and hope.' The Sydney Morning Herald

'Sarah's story shows us the power of a teacher's heart and a teacher's love. These are the stories we need to hear and share.' Gabbie Stroud, author of Teacher

'Beautifully written and overflowing with insight, Big Things Grow is a compelling account of the transformative power of music, community and connection.' Megan Washington, musician

'Brilliant . . . A love song to a small country town.' Pasi Sahlberg, author of Let the Children Play

Genres: Biography, Autobiography, Australia, Nonfiction

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 30, 2022

About the author

Sarah Donnelley is a 31-year-old primary school teacher living and working in Wilcannia in regional NSW. She has links to the AECG and is passionate about providing regional students and schools with access to opportunities and quality education.

This gave Ms Donnelley diverse teaching moments, including working through Wilcannia's COVID-19 outbreak, and winning the 2020 ARIA Music Teacher Award with a moving rendition of From Little Things Big Things Grow. - ABC News

Reviews

[Helen Dugdale Peacock · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly beautiful true story. Every school needs a Sarah Donnelly. Whilst reading this book I thought of all my teacher friends that I will recommend this book to.

Just loved it, shed a few tears.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sarah Donnelley's dedication to her students, their families and the Wilcannia community shines brightly in her memoir of teaching on Country in the far west NSW town of Wilcannia. As a non-indigenous member of the mostly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, Sarah earns the respect and support of the townspeople by immersing herself in their culture and advocating for them in myriad ways.

Big Things Grow is an inspirational story about a young teacher’s commitment to the children and parents of her school, the town’s traditional owners and the whole community of the oft-maligned town of Wilcannia. Through her beliefs, word and actions, Sarah strengthened relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians, which is what the often bandied around word Reconciliation is all about.

Recommended.

[Asanga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and an eye-opening insight into life and teaching in a remote community.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eye-opening and inspiring display of the perks and downfalls of teaching remote. Good reminder for those in the cities that we have so many things accessible to us so easily and others simply do not.

[Mercedes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Occasionally I come across a book I have to read for work that wasn’t on my radar and it blows me away in the most unexpected ways. This was one of those.

Sydney teacher Sarah Donnelley traded a comfortable life in the eastern suburbs for a teaching post in Wilcannia in western NSW. Her memoir details her arrival in the remote Aboriginal community where the local supermarket is a four-hour round trip away and her home has no WIFI reception. But those little things that seem so important in the city were soon eclipsed by the close bonds she formed with the community, her new environment and her students.

I learned so much about Aboriginal culture from this book, about the challenges these remote communities face but also the importance of communal bonds that are so often missing in cities.

Sarah outlines her teaching career, her arrival in Wilcannia, the challenges but also the unexpected rewards which meant a six-month post became an indefinite one. I also really loved reading about her growing understanding of the land and its importance to First Nations people.

I loved this book and urge everyone to read it. It’s a memoir about a unique and special journey that is relevant for all Australians.

[Kasie Hunter · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half was captivating but after chapter 11, felt a bit disjointed and meandering

[Pip Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this, but it really needed a good edit, it was too long and a bit monotonous at times. A series of anecdotes more than anything else.

I was a bit irritated at the assumption that no one travels ‘across the Bridge’ or more than fifteen minutes to see their friends. Sooooo Sydney eastern suburbs! However, few people would take on Wilcannia and having been there now for four years, she’s clearly a dedicated and committed teacher and the people of Wilcannia are lucky to have her.

[Phoebe Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an important piece of writing for all Australian educators and those of us who are lucky enough to work with Indigenous students, their families and communities.

I’ve admired Sarah from afar over the last few years while studying my degree and this book is an excellent showcase of why.

I would encourage anyone to read this, even just to get a picture of what teaching in rural and remote Australia is like.

[Nikki Balzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read of a profession I don't know much about as I don't have kids. Like all professions teachers has people who are passionate about their work and clearly Sarah is someone like that. She has made a large impression in wilcannia that will reap benefits in the community for years to come.

[Elsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both a love letter to teaching and Wilcannia, this was a joy to read! So many moments really resonated as to why country teaching is so important. I first heard of Sarah through the ARIA award. It’s been amazing to see that her teaching journey and accomplishments are so much more than that!

[Rebekah Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of meeting Sarah recently - what an honour! Such an inspiring book telling stories that need to be told about community and Country.

[Taylah Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous. Captured my heart immediately and was full of wonderful stories. Highly recommend reading!

[Oluwamayowa Oladosu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story,carefully crafted and executed. Sarah is a legend and I can definitely relate with all she said in the book.

[Denita · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an inspirational memoir and the reader can only admire the dedication of the author. I felt at times the narrative could have been shorter.

[Geraldine Ricci · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspirational read I cried, I laughed, I reflected. Sarah Donnelly is an exceptional teacher whom everyone student should experience.

[Amy Krisenthal · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good reflection about the life of a teacher in a remote community. Some parts more engaging than others.