Emily Bridgeman spent her first three years after school working and travelling around Northern Australia as a governess on Indigenous-run cattle stations in the Kimberly and in Arnhem land.

During her time there, she connected and made lifelong friendships with the Indigenous people who worked alongside her. Shortly after returning to country New South Wales, Emily was invited by her dear friend to join her on a fire camp in West Arnhem Land.

This is when Emily spent time learning and working alongside rangers and traditional owners caring for country and controlled burning. This life-changing experience, alongside her years on the cattle station learning and discovering rich culture, inspired her to write her first picture book, Caring for Country.