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About My Place

The journey from book to screen

My Place began as a children’s book created for the 1988 Bicentenary of Australia. It tells the stories of 21 children, each representing a decade from 1788 onwards. Each story stands alone while contributing to a broader picture of Australian history, seen through the eyes of children. Many of the characters are connected across generations, reflecting shared histories and experiences. While the original setting is Sydney, the stories resonate with places and communities across Australia.

At the heart of My Place are recurring elements, including the fig tree, the creek and the map. These features connect each story to the land and to the people who live on it. They acknowledge the deep history of First Nations peoples while recognising the many cultures that have shaped contemporary Australia. Together, they help young audiences imagine how life has changed over time while remaining grounded in place.

The television series My Place (Series 1 and 2), produced between 2008 and 2011, builds on the book by expanding its world and introducing new characters. These include Mohammed and Lily in Series 1, and Dan, Waruwi, Bunda and Barangaroo in Series 2. Drawing on the original stories, the screenwriters developed a layered drama that reflects each decade and brings greater depth to the characters and their relationships.

In the screen adaptation, the fig tree and the creek remain central visual motifs, with the addition of the house in later episodes. The move to television allows audiences to see and hear the characters as they experience their world, with performance, sound and music adding emotional depth and immediacy.

Making My Place by Nadia Wheatley (HarperCollins, 2010) offers insight into the development of the television series, including the creative process and the perspectives of the young actors who bring the characters to life.

The television series

Series synopsis

My Place, based on the picture book by Nadia Wheatley and Donna Rawlins, follows one location in Sydney across 240 years of history. Beginning in 2008 and moving back through time to 1788 and Before Time, the series introduces 26 children, each connected to the same place and each with a story to share.

Linked by an ancient fig tree, these characters offer a child’s‑eye view of Australia’s past, bringing different moments in history to life through their experiences. Told across 26 half‑hour episodes, the series is supported by an interactive website that extends the storytelling and invites deeper exploration.

Season 1

My Place is the story of one spot in Australia, told by the children who lived there over 130 years, starting in 2008 and going back to 1888.

Episode 1

2008: Laura 

Laura borrows a tinnie to muck about in the canal. It sinks, taking with it the ashes of its owner's beloved dog. She can't find a way to own up. It's 2008 and the Prime Minister is trying to do the same thing with her mob.

Episode 2

1998: Mohammed

Mohammed is a mad keen bowler, and is desperate to join the cricket team at his new school. But there are no places and so he ends up playing with the girls - who prove to be the better side.

Episode 3

1988: Lily

Lily's cousin, Phoung, arrives with her parents from Vietnam. But the trophy cousin turns out to be a real threat to Lily's status, at home and at school.

Episode 4

1978: Mike

Mike knows a lot about Australian muscle cars from 1968 to 1978, but the other kids think he's odd and he thinks he's only got one friend, Ben. But is Ben a real friend?

Episode 5

1968: Sofia

Sofia is a spy for the yayas, and she's determined to get rid of her brother's (Michaelis) girlfriend, before Michaelis leaves for Vietnam.

Episode 6

1958: Michaelis

Michaelis' family is from Kalymnos. He wants to be Australian, not Greek, but even more he wants a television - so he can watch Zorro.

Episode 7

1948: Jen

Jen's dad died in the war. Now, her mum is planning to marry Wal, who (even though he has a car), definitely doesn't match up in Jen's eyes to her war hero - her real dad.

Episode 8

1938: Colum

Colum has two big ambitions; to stop his best mate Thommo's family from being kicked out of their house next door to his, and to get up the nerve to ride his billy cart down Brickpits Hill.

Episode 9

1928: Bridie

Bridie and Lorna are the best of friends. Wheeling their baby brothers in their prams and with Bridie's annoying younger sister, Kath, in tow, they set off on a day of harmless relaxation.

Episode 10

1918: Bertie

Bertie is doing all that he can, including putting on a magic show, to save the money to buy a special gift to welcome his brother, Eddie, home from the war. It's a pair of brown brogue shoes.

Episode 11

1908: Evelyn 

Evelyn can't wait for cracker night. This year, for the first time, her father has been able to afford to buy the family their own box of fireworks. Unfortunately, Evelyn shows the box to her disbelieving neighbour, Freddie.

Episode 12

1898: Rowley

Rowley longs for his father to come home. Convinced that good deeds will be rewarded, he'll do anything to help his mother and the other residents in the boarding house they live in. But then he discovers that his father may never come home at all.

Episode 13

1888: Victoria 

Victoria and her family have just moved into the terrace house that her father has built. She'll do anything to ensure that they stay there forever, including witchcraft.

Season 2

Continuing on from where My Place - Series 1 left off, My Place - Series 2 takes us on a journey even further back in time.

Episode 1

1878: Henry

Young inventor Henry’s relentless belief in his creations leads to disaster and rejection, until one final experiment gives him a chance to save the day and prove himself.

Episode 2

1868: Minna

When the wealthy Owen children unfairly blame her for a disaster, Minna plots a frightening revenge using a borrowed magic lantern, only to find herself in even deeper trouble.

Episode 3

1858: Benjamin 

Determined to buy a Thanksgiving turkey for his family, Benjamin’s rivalry with a local Chinese boy Leck leads to a series of mishaps that teach them both the value of cooperation.

Episode 4

1848: Johanna 

Forced to work hard delivering potatoes while enduring the Owen children’s scorn, Johanna sets out to uncover her father's identity and discovers a shocking family secret.

Episode 5

1838: Davey

When stable boy Davey steals his beloved horse to save her from slaughter, he must choose between freedom and doing the right thing after witnessing his wounded master attacked by bushrangers.

Episode 6

1828: Alice

When Alice and George turn a friendly pig race into a battle of tricks and sabotage to win a homemade cake, they discover they may have underestimated an unlikely competitor.

Episode 7

1818: Charles

To avoid being sent to school in England, hardworking Charles strikes a risky deal with an escaped convict that teaches him unexpected lessons about responsibility, family, and courage.

Episode 8

1808: Sarah

Working as a servant for the demanding Owen family, Sarah forms an unlikely friendship with the spiteful Alice when they discover that, despite their differences, they are both trapped by circumstances beyond their control.

Episode 9

1798: Sam

When young convict Sam is left alone to run a remote farm, he must outwit a troublesome goat and brave the bush to prove himself before his master returns.

Episode 10

1788: Waruwi

When strange soldiers searching for a runaway horse approach her camp, Aboriginal girl Waruwi must use all her wits to protect her Nana and lead the intruders away.

Episode 11

1788: Dan

When ordered to guard his Aboriginal friend Waruwi’s beloved dingo for the Governor, young soldier Dan risks punishment by choosing friendship and doing what he believes is right.

Episode 12

Before Time: Bunda

Struggling to gain the respect of his older brother Garadi, young Bunda’s attempts to get attention only deepen their rivalry until their father teaches them the true value of brotherhood.

Episode 13

Before Time: Barangaroo

When a young boy goes missing, determined Barangaroo and her rival Mani must brave the feared Mumuga’s territory, uncover the truth behind the legend, and learn what real leadership means.

The book

My Place, written by Nadia Wheatley and illustrated by Donna Rawlins, is an award‑winning Australian classic. Named Children’s Book Council Book of the Year for Younger Readers in 1988 and a YABBA children’s choice winner, it brings together history and storytelling in a way that is engaging and accessible for young audiences. In continuous print for more than two decades, My Place has been widely read in classrooms and homes across Australia, supporting children to connect with the people, stories and histories that shape the places where they live.

About the author and illustrator

Nadia Wheatley
Nadia Wheatley is an Australian writer whose work spans fiction, history, biography and picture books for children, young people and adults. She began writing full time after postgraduate study in Australian history, and her work reflects a long‑standing commitment to social justice and inclusive storytelling. Her first book, Five Times Dizzy, was recognised as a pioneering multicultural children’s story in Australia and was later adapted for television.

Nadia has received wide recognition for her contribution to children’s literature, including multiple Children’s Book Council of Australia Honour Book awards and two New South Wales Premier’s Children’s Book Prizes. Her other works include Playground: Listening to stories from country and from inside the heart and Going Bush. She also wrote Making My Place, which explores the development of the television series.

Donna Rawlins
Donna Rawlins is an award‑winning illustrator, author, designer and editor. She grew up in Melbourne and is now based in Sydney. Her work is known for its warmth, detail and inclusive representation, with a focus on diverse, contemporary Australian experiences.

Donna has illustrated many books for young readers, including The Firefighters, What Will You Be? and Seven More Sleeps. Among her extensive body of work, My Place remains her most recognised title, celebrated for its distinctive visual storytelling and its contribution to Australian children’s literature.

Student Webinars with Nadia Wheatley

Watch these past webinars with your students. 

Nadia Wheatley Interviews

Watch Nadia Wheatley answer questions about My Place. 

Behind the scenes videos

Watch My Place Producer Penny Chapman share a presentation on adapting the book into the series.

Behind the Scenes Images

A young boy in a black outfit stands on the stairs, looking down at an adult woman at the bottom, who gestures while holding a binder. Behind her, two other individuals observe the interaction, creating a scene that appears to involve direction or discussion. The setting has warm tones and classic architectural details.

Eddie (Jack Versace), Jess Hobbs (Director)

A girl with braids and blue bows smiles while wrapped in a blue blanket, standing close to a woman in a dark jacket and scarf, who embraces her from behind. In the background, blurred figures and greenery suggest an outdoor setting, likely on a film set.

Victoria (Eliza Saville), Kate North Ash (Assistant Director)

A horse-drawn carriage sits in a muddy street, with a driver wearing a hat on top. Surrounding the carriage are onlookers and tents, while historic buildings line the street under a cloudy sky.

1888 production shot

A woman with dark hair smiles joyfully while standing behind a young girl dressed in an old-fashioned outfit with pigtails tied with blue ribbons. The girl has a serious expression and wears a white dress with a large blue bow at the collar.

Jess Hobbs (Director), Victoria (Eliza Saville)

A woman interacts with three children in period costumes on a narrow street, surrounded by brick walls and a wooden door. A sign in the background advertises "Cheap Cash Goods." The woman appears to be giving direction or coaching the children, who are looking at her with expressions of curiosity.

Jess Hobbs (Director), Evelyn (Lucy Howroyd), Freddie (Billy Shaw), Eddie (Jack Versace)

Three people pose together outdoors. The man on the left wears a vintage suit and a top hat, while the woman in the center has a warm smile and casual attire. The woman on the right is dressed in a black, vintage-style dress and hat. In the background, there are trees and a muddy path suggesting a film set environment.

Victoria's Father (Dan Wyllie), Penny Chapman (Producer), Miss Muller (Susie Porter)

May (Ashleigh Ross), Wesley (Lochie Nazer-Hennings), Victoria (Eliza Saville), Nadia Wheatley (Author)

A young girl with curly hair is being embraced by a woman with curly, blonde hair and glasses, both smiling gently. In the background, there are blurred figures of other individuals, suggesting a gathering or event.

Shakira Mareka, Melissa Bruder (Dramaturg)

A man in a gray shirt adjusts the collar of another man wearing a formal vest and shirt. They are indoors, surrounded by vintage furnishings and several people in the background, engaged in a casual conversation.

Mark Blackwell (Sound Recordist), Mr Watson (Paul Blackwell)

A group of people is gathered around a river, with two individuals partially submerged and appearing to act in a scene involving water. Crew members hold cameras and sound equipment, while others assist or observe the filming process. The setting is lush and natural, reflecting a day of shooting a scene in the outdoors.

Lorna (Aimee Patmore) drowning scene

1938 production shot

Three children dressed in vintage-style dresses walk together down a street. A cameraman equipped with a professional camera rig follows them closely, while another crew member assists in the background. Trees and buildings line the street, creating a lively filming atmosphere.

1948 production shot

Mareka (Jaz Allen), Sofia (Anastasia Feneri), Michael James Roland (Director) and crew

A film crew is on set, capturing a scene where a man in a cowboy hat embraces a woman, while several other women stand nearby, ranging in expressions from emotional to serious. Behind them, crew members manage cameras and sound equipment, contributing to the production process. The setting features a street corner with a blue car and a building facade in the background.

Michaelis (Ben Winspear) leaving scene

In a classroom with green chalkboards and colorful posters, two girls in blue uniforms stand at the front while a man gestures towards them, holding a clapperboard. A group of children seated at desks appears to be watching attentively.

Lily (Sheena Pham) classroom scene

Two girls are playfully interacting in a small boat near the shore, surrounded by a sandy beach. A film crew is capturing the scene, with crew members operating cameras and holding microphones, while several boats are anchored in the background against a scenic waterfront.

2008 production shot

A diverse group of people is gathered in a room, with some observing intently while others sit at a table. A sound technician is holding a microphone boom overhead, capturing the scene. The atmosphere suggests a film shoot or a community event, with decorations visible in the background.

Sorry Day scene

A child in a blue dress stands on a platform, performing theatrically under a large tree. Surrounding her, crew members operate cameras and equipment, with mist swirling in the background, suggesting an outdoor film or theater production.

Victoria (Eliza Saville) production shot

Bridie (Holly Fraser)

A young girl in glasses stands near a wooden gate, interacting with a boy who is holding out his hand, seemingly offering something. A film crew is positioned nearby, with a cameraman operating a large camera on a stabilizer, while a microphone is positioned overhead. The background features a rustic setting with corrugated metal structures and greenery.

1958 production image

A person stands on a dirt path in a cemetery, holding a film clapperboard. Tall palm trees line the background, with sunlight filtering through the leaves, creating a warm glow on the ground.

Crew production shot

A group of five people watches intently as a man seated below them operates a camera or monitor in a narrow alley. The group includes three women and two men, with a mix of expressions ranging from curiosity to concern, while the scene is framed by a backdrop of brick walls and a light blue surface.

Crew on set

A group of people stand outdoors, some looking up with expressions of concern. One woman in the foreground, wearing a cap and glasses, appears focused and contemplative, while another woman nearby seems to be deep in thought, holding a pen. The background is hazy, suggesting a smoky atmosphere.

Jo Weeks (Script Supervisor), Sam Lang (Director)

A man in a brown hoodie squats low to the ground, holding a microphone on a boom pole while wearing headphones. He appears to be focused and attentive, with lush greenery and a corrugated metal backdrop behind him.

Crew production image

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