It's hard to fathom the thousands of years of Culture of Peoples who know how to live in ways that care for Country so knowledgably and skillfully and what it is to be of place. The Generosity of spirit of the Original Peoples continues to astound and humble me. I am so grateful too for the landscape of Djaara Country where I live, learn, grieve, grow, work and walk, which is such a balm to me every day. I pay my utmost respect to all those ancestors, the Elders, and those growing into them, and those to come, leading the way so wisely, the young mob growing strong and all the generations to come. I hope some of my work is a give back to this generosity.

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Trace lives on Djaara Country, South Eastern Australia. Her ancestors come from Hungary, England and France - from them she has inherited a love of dance and artistic creativity. Trace loves to rise at dawn, especially in late winter when it’s frosty, and walk up hills above the fog line to marvel at the dawn light and early spring flowers. She creates graphic novels and children’s books about connecting with Country and community. A self-described ‘story catcher,’ she finds inspiration in nature and incorporates local plant and animal species into her detailed, cartoon-style drawings.

a new graphic novel coming out March 2026

Treeshape Trace Balla

An extraordinary, inspiring and hope-filled graphic novel from the multi-award-winning creator of Rivertime, Rockhopping, Landing with Wings and Leaf-light, Trace Balla's stunning memoir reveals her personal and life-changing experiences of place, her understanding of the natural world and her relationship to Country.

 
 

My Garden Path

watch the episode by clicking the image

Trace has worked and volunteered alongside Nalderun Aboriginal Education Corporation for several years, writes song lyrics, appears as an inspirational speaker and workshop facilitator, particularly inspiring cartooning, pre-literacy for kids by mixing words with pictures and stories, and nature journaling.

What has Trace been up to lately?…

News, events, latest projects and heaps more…

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Contact Trace