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One contemporary indigenous view of the Bunyip.

Bunyips are still a living part of Aboriginal culture. Indigenous people celebrate the Bunyip in art, storytelling and books. One Indigenous artist who has represented the Bunyip is Lin Onus. Here he discusses his paintings, Bunyips Strolling and Hungry Bunyip.

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It is not possible to grow up in any Koori community without knowing about Bunyips. I tend not to see them as the evil menacing creature that some non-Aboriginal literature suggests, but rather as slightly timid—preferring to keep out of humans’ way. Whilst generally rather shy, they are not averse to a good feed of human once in a while (I understand the ears are a particular delicacy) if someone is so foolish as to go swimming in dark or murky water or in the turbulent river holes where you may be dragged under and trapped.

Lin Onus, 5 March 1987

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