libby kinna

Hi, I’m Libby. I am a writer, ancestral researcher, historian, nurturer of heart leaders, educator, and story teller. Born in Melbourne, I am currently based in Perth where I work at Curtin University. In 2024 I completed my Bachelor of Arts (History major) at the University of Tasmania. This followed the succesful completion of a Diploma of Family History in 2021.

My main areas of historical interest and research are quite often inspired by the life experiences and rich cultural heritage of my ancestors.  I am drawn to the land, culture and history of Scotland, Ireland and England (circa 18^th – 19^th century). 

I write on history, ancestral narratives, psychology, philosophy, personal alchemy and ones search for fulfilment, contentment, self-kindness and purpose.  Drawing upon my deeply personal lived experiences of marriage and divorce, family and separation, suicide, grief and loss, joy and wonder, motherhood and connection, I aim to weave words of encouragement, compassion, truth, resilience and hope.   

I am on a personal journey to bring kindness, wholeness, and acceptance to our life experience.

Learn more about Libby

I have a thing for words, wool, ancestral research, history, travel and personal alchemy.    Oh, not to mention Scottish cows, sheep, and a good brew of tea in a fine bone china cup and saucer.

It is an eclectic mix but some how they feed my soul, nurture my creativity and connect me.  Connect me to ‘me’, to my sense of place and purpose.

My work explores trans-generational influence, ancestral narratives and the ensuing interconnectedness between people and place (historically, genetically and spiritually).

I express my creativity through written works covering many genres including essays, ancestral biographies, blog journalling, photo essays and creative non-fiction works.   

My ancestral roots stem from Scotland, Ireland and England.  The spirit of the lands of Perthshire, Argyllshire, Lanarkshire, Kincardineshire and the Scottish Highlands along with County Clare in Ireland, and the British seaside villages of Portsmouth and Eastbourne travel through my genetic line.   My soul naturally gravitates towards the research of these ancestral lands, the history of its people and place. 

When my ancestors migrated to Australia during the 1800’s they settled and created new lives in the Victorian towns of Ballarat, Bendigo, Dunkeld, Tarraville and the inner city suburb of Richmond, along with Hobart in Tasmania.  Richmond is where my story begins and it is a place that still feels like home.  

Historical periods of keen interest include the British Empire during the 19^th century (most notably the Highland Clearances and the Irish Potato Famine), assisted migration to the colonies, Australian convict history, Australian colonisation and pastoral settlement in Victoria, the Gold Rush period and both World Wars.   As a student of History I am continually discovering new moments in time that capture my attention and guide further research projects.

I continue to actively research my ancestral families that include (but not limited to) Kinna(ne), McPherson, Dickie, Jenkins, Dennis, Collis and McOwan.

With a deep appreciation for my ancestors that immigrated to Australia during the 1800’s, I respectfully research and share their stories.  Through their stories I am connected to place and historical moments.  In bringing them to light I become a conscious co-creator of future moments by letting go of past ties and owning the strengths passed down genetically.

Born in Melbourne, Victoria (a place fondly in my heart),  I currently live in Perth, Western Australia.    My adult-kids are all now walking their own path, so I too am walking a new path. Some days courageously others with trepidation.

In 2015 during the midst of my divorce, I took my first solo trip overseas and experienced the historical beauty of Italy. For four glorious weeks I awakened to the cultural delights of Rome, Florence, Tuscany, Umbria and Venice. It began a deeply healing process for me and awakened me from a deep, deep sleep.

In 2019 I undertook an ancestral pilgrimage to Scotland, immersing myself in this land, her people and culture (that of my ancestors).  This facilitated an inner transformation resulting in a deeper sense of connection to self and land;  one which is now fuelling my creative endeavours. My ancestral roots were awakened and now I feel out of place here in Australia. It is an interesting process this one of connection and belonging.

My love of travel has seen me explore Central Australia (an ancient land that resonants with my spirit),  the Northern Territory, ‘the Kimberley’ region of Western Australia,  South Australia and Tasmania. When we moved from Melbourne to Perth back in 2009 we drove ‘the Nullabor’.