Born on Palawa Land was written by me as a deeply personal act of truth‑telling grounded in lived experience, family history, and connection to Country. The lyrics and melody were created by drawing on my identity as a proud Dunghutti (Australian Aboriginal) man born on Palawa Country in Tasmania. The song reflects the complex reality of growing up between two worlds, one shaped by Aboriginal community, culture, and belonging, and the other shaped by silence, distance, and the pressures of assimilation. The narrative honours the people who helped shape my early life, including the Palawa families who offered acceptance, guidance, and cultural grounding when it was needed most. It acknowledges the strength of Elders, the resilience of community, and the quiet power of stories passed down through generations. The song also speaks to the emotional truth of reclaiming heritage that was once hidden or softened to survive, and the pride that comes from standing firmly in that identity today. more