Common Ground's First Nations Bedtime Stories project will now be known as Forever Stories, with the new name following consultation with communities, educators and participants.

The annual storytelling initiative, launched in 2019, supports First Nations filmmakers to record culturally significant stories with their communities and preserve knowledge for future generations.

Despite the name change the format remains five days, five stories and five learning experiences, featuring a different First Nations community each year.

The 2026 Forever Stories series is directed and produced by Spinifex and Noongar visual storyteller Tace Stevens.

Filmed on remote Spinifex Country in Western Australia's Great Victoria Desert, near the South Australian border, it features Elders and community members sharing stories about history, language, art, cultural tools, bush foods and hunting.

For Ms Stevens, making the series provided an opportunity to return to Country and document stories alongside family.

"Being part of Forever Stories didn't just give me the opportunity to create content," she said.

"It allowed me to return back to Country and spend time with family.

"Over 6 days, accompanied by Nanas, Uncles, siblings, nieces and nephews, we listened and documented these important stories."

Community members helped guide the production, with three storytellers also taking on producer roles.

Their involvement supported the community's control over how its stories were recorded and preserved.

Ms Stevens highlighted the importance of that involvement.

"Three of our Storytellers came on board as Producers, ensuring that this project was led by community and told properly," Ms Stevens said.

"Common Ground's support has helped my community preserve these stories for future generations, also allowing us to add to our archive."

Common Ground is a wholly First Nations-led and operated organisation dedicated to amplifying Indigenous voices.

The organisation provides production budgets directly to First Nations filmmakers, supporting them to work on Country with their communities.

Wiradyuri, Ngemba and Paakantji woman and Common Ground chief executive Gemma Pol outlined the approach behind Forever Stories.

"In this project, we don't tell the story - we back the storyteller," Ms Pol said.

"Forever Stories puts production budgets directly into the hands of First Nations filmmakers to shoot on Country, with community, on their own terms."

Since its launch as First Nations Bedtime Stories, the initiative has recorded stories about caring for Country and one another.

Previous series have featured Noongar, Wiradjuri, Nyikina, Arrernte, Eastern Arrernte, Luritja, Warlpiri and Pitjantjatjara Nations.

Under the Forever Stories name, the project will continue supporting First Nations creatives, safeguarding knowledge and sharing stories through film.

Information, educational materials and registration for the upcoming series are available via the Common Ground website.