Dozens of students from Queensland's Western Downs have been joined by Elders, as well as an author and illustrator, to help create a children's book.
14 students aged 10 to 14, from four schools across Chinchilla took part in a three-day workshop to develop the book which goes beyond the normal bounds of literacy to celebrate First Nations culture, language, and community through shared storytelling.
The children joined Elders on a tour to learn about local bush foods and medicines - many for the first time - before using their experience to help shape the story.
BLACC SWAN - Bringing Language and Cultural Connections to South West Aboriginal Nations - have been at the heart of the project. The group is devoted to fostering connections and celebrating culture for everyone, with Director Billie Brassington saying they saw the project as a chance to build something bigger than just a book.
"A project that could connect students, schools, and the community through storytelling, culture, and learning," she said.
"Experiencing these First Nations traditions firsthand helped students connect with Country and weave real knowledge into their storytelling, from developing ideas and writing stories to illustrating and seeing their work come to life."
Slated to be released in line with National Literacy Day on September 4, the book will be aimed at young readers and tells the unique story about the history of Barunggam Country.
Ms Brassington said that through the journey, the students were able to gain a new respect and knowledge for First Nations culture and language. During the workshops, the students were also joined by Western Downs artist and founder of Yiramilan Art, Birra-Li Warner, to help them create the book.
"...we hope this understanding spreads through our communities, fostering greater awareness, respect, and connection between everyone," Ms Brassington said.
Local children's author Ann-Marie Finn took part in the workshops. She said that despite her long history of working in the children's literacy space, she was "especially interested" in a project that encouraged local children to create work of their own by contributing art and ideas and learning about the whole process of putting together a book.
"I also have a love of languages and feel it's important to keep the local Indigenous language alive. This book is a way to teach kids about the importance of language, culture, and local history," Ms Finn said.
Ms Finn said the experience of being able to work with both First Nations locals and students was rewarding, and added the students used the workshops to create artwork and ideas which she will bring together into one story.
"There's still a lot to do - finalising the story, arranging the artwork to include everyone's contribution, and preparing the design for the publisher - but I hope the end result is a book that every contributor can be proud of, and that children will enjoy for years to come," Ms Finn said.
The project is funded through Origin Energy's APLNG Community Investment Fund.
Origin General Manager, Asset East, Steve Thatcher, said they were pleased to support important projects such as the student-led picture book, "which not only strengthen community ties but also help preserve local culture for future generations".
"This initiative supports education while maintaining the rich cultural heritage that makes our communities unique, and I look forward to reading a copy of the book when it hits shelves in September," Mr Thatcher said.