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Desert pioneer in print
Home Desert pioneer in print
19 March 2026
2 minute read

Kati Thanda: Stories and Reflections is the latest publication from Batchelor Press, commemorating the life and storytelling of Arabana elder Apwertantyenha Syd Strangways. Kati Thanda is the Arabana name for Lake Eyre, Australia’s largest salt lake located in Arabana Country in South Australia. Kati Thanda is a subject for some of the book’s stories including its opening tale involving ancestral characters from the Warrana, a mysterious and invisible tribe that were custodians of Kati Thanda. Kati Thanda is also a metaphor for the rich Arabana knowledge informing the stories of Syd, also known as Thanthi (‘grandfather'), who was born at Finniss Springs near the southeastern edge of Kati Thanda and spent his early years in the region during the 1930s and 1940s.

The book comprises 11 stories both mythological and autobiographical and told with a unique charm and sharp eye for detail. Thanthi has carried these stories for many years. Some have been previously published but this is his first substantive anthology. They include stories about The Rainbow Brothers from a camp near Wampityi cave (Wampityi meaning ‘rainbow’ in Arabana) and who were chased by mosquitoes, along with ‘What’s in a name’, the origin of Thanthi’s bush name Apwertantyenha, meaning ‘white-haired rock’ (he had white-blonde hair as an infant). Featuring illustrations by Arabana artist Kathy Arbon, the book also includes an extensive Arabana glossary.

Batchelor Press is grateful to Thanthi for entrusting his stories to us and to Eleanor McCall who provided key editorial and project support.

Details: Kati Thanda, Stories & Reflections

Author: Apwertantyenha Syd Strangways

isbn: 9781741311310

rrp: $25; 108pp, softcover, size: 23 x 16cm

Enquiries: batchelorpress@batchelor.edu.au