Debra Dank is a Gudanji/Wakaja woman, married to Rick, with three adult children and two grandchildren. An educator, she has worked in teaching and learning for many years – a gift given through the hard work of her parents. She continues to experience the privilege of living with country and with family. Debra completed her PhD in Narrative Theory and Semiotics at Deakin University in 2021. Her debut book, We Come With This Place, was shortlisted for the 2023 Stella Prize and was the winner of four 2023 NSW Premier's Literary Awards, including Book of the Year, the 2023 ALS Gold Medal and the University of Queensland Non-Fiction Book Award 2023.
Her second book, Terraglossia, is set to be released in 2025. She is passionate about the environment. With her place located on the Beetaloo Basin, she works to protect Country and Aboriginal people's right to maintain their identity through their kinship with Country.