Paperbark Merchants

29/05/2026

June is off to a busy start for Albany! Don’t miss your chance to attend a book launch, guest speaker event and artist workshop - and all within the same week!

We’ll be facilitating book sales at the FREE Wirlomin Book Launch, and “What the Heck are Comics?” Workshop, so we hope to see you there!

As for the Harry Moffitt Guest Speaker Event, tickets are available in-store at Paperbark Merchants or online through the link in our bio!

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23/05/2026

We’ll see you there!

You are invited to the launch of two new Noongar-language picture books from Wirlomin Noongar Language and Stories.

Ngalak Yongka Miyak Koorliny / Visiting the Kangaroo Moon Site invites readers to join a group of Wirlomin visiting a granite outcrop in the Great Southern region of Western Australia. The rock carries the imprint of a very large kangaroo at rest and has markings resembling the different phases of the moon. The story suggests a way to read the site itself, and the opportunity to listen to the conversation between kangaroo and moon.

Wirrawoorliny/Whirlwind shares the story of a boy who is camping alone and hears strange sounds in the night. He is set upon and eaten, but something incredible happens when his bones are left in the dust: a whirlwind appears where his tongue was and builds his body again, piece by piece.

Prof Kim Scott, Dr Cass Lynch and other Wirlomin will speak about the collaborative community process that informs the books and read from their work.

About the speakers:
Kim Scott is an award-winning Noongar author who has worked extensively in Indigenous education and the arts. Kim is a convener of Wirlomin Noongar Language and Stories, a member of the West Australian Writers Hall of Fame and in 2022 was declared a State Cultural Treasure. He is currently employed as Professor of Writing in the School of Media, Culture and Creative Arts at Curtin University.

Cass Lynch is a Koreng Wudjari writer and researcher and is descended from the Noongar families of Ravensthorpe in the Great Southern region. She is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Curtin University where she works on the revitalisation of south coast Noongar songs and stories. She is a committee member for Wirlomin Noongar Language and Stories and the co-founder of the Aboriginal literature endeavour Woylie Project. Her short fiction and poetry is taught at universities and high schools in Western Australia and Victoria.
Books will be available for purchase at the event.

THURSDAY 4 June 2026
4pm – 6pm
4:30pm – Welcome and speeches

Bookings essential. Book online: https://bit.ly/4nnUBSA or phone the Library on 6820 3600

Image credit: Kangaroo image by Boydan Coyne from Ngalak Yongka Miyak Koorliny, used with courtesy from Wirlomin Noongar Language & Stories Inc.

22/05/2026

On Wednesday night we had the pleasure of joining Leschenault Press and the Albany Public Library for the launch of the Honourable Peter “Watto” Watson’s memoir, ‘On the Front Foot.’

It was a wonderful night celebrating the former Olympian athlete, local postie and longstanding member of Parliament.

Peter’s life has been dedicated to service of many kinds, and his resume (including a short-lived amateur boxing career!) is about as colourful as they come - which makes for a memoir that is equal parts inspiring, touching and humorous!

‘On the Front Foot’ is on shelves now, so pop in and grab your copy of a local legend’s life story!

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17/05/2026

New week, new window! 🌟

A dreamy starscape display makes the perfect backdrop to feature some wintry book covers - just perfect to hunker down with as the weather gets colder!

All props to the lovely Kate as always for her crafty window magic ✨

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11/05/2026

Paperbark Book Club is back after a short break, and this May we’re serving up ‘Soft Serve’ by Sydney-based playwright, actor and debut novelist George Kemp. Kemp’s first novel has been described as “drive-thru Chekhov” - praise which certainly excites this Chekhov fan!
We will be tuning in via zoom on Wednesday 27th May, 6pm in the Gold Room . We hope to see your friendly faces there!

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08/05/2026

Whether she’s a wine mum or a coffee mum (or both), our special Mother’s Day range from Fridgy will ensure she never has to share - unless she wants to!
Pair them with some local chocolates, coffee or flowers from our range and you’ve got the perfect present for mum!

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07/05/2026

Giddy up! 🐎
These new canvas beanbags and recycled denim floor cushions from pony_rider are perfect to take anywhere - from lounge room floors to the great outdoors.
Perfect for those outdoorsy folks who don’t want to compromise on comfort, we’ve also got a bunch of their waxed canvas bags - spill-proof AND stylish!

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30/04/2026

We had a wonderful time last night attending the launch of local historian Malcolm Traill’s new book, ‘South’.
Thank you to everyone who came along and grabbed a signed copy! Malcolm’s work in chronicling Albany history has made him something of a local legend, and it was fantastic to see his research and love of storytelling celebrated.
We will have what remains of our stock on shelves from today - but they’ll go quick, so grab one while you can!

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26/04/2026

Testing out the new bean bags is a very important job, okay? 😤
New bean bags in store now!

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