Proud Gamilaroi Ularoi yinarr from Walgett, Lakkari Pitt, has announced the launch of her new colouring book.

Titled Yuluwirri (meaning rainbow in the Gamilaroi Ularoi Language, also recognised as a symbol of joy, beauty and connection to the natural world) the colouring book sees Pitt share artworks and stories of her culture, family, community and connection to her people's land.

The range of artworks are displayed across three chapters. Gunimaa means Mother Earth, and in this chapter, Pitt explores the movement, essence and stories of her Country.

The second chapter is Warranggal Yinarr, which means strong and powerful woman, where the artworks celebrate the traits and qualities that Pitt admires in women.

In the third chapter, Dhiiyaan (family), Pitt's artworks emphasise how families are built around community, and how First Nations people are nurtured by their kinship systems. Throughout the book she also offers helpful colouring tips for every artwork, and there is a glossary of Gamilaroi Ularoi words located at the front.

"Each story in Yuluwirri is shared with permission from my mum, her brother my Uncle Jason and other family members. My Uncle Jason holds so much cultural knowledge that has been passed down by our Old People. He has taught me so much, I'm grateful to now know and share these stories with the permission of my family," Pitt told Style Up.

"I found the entire process very rewarding mostly because of the time I spent with family listening and learning. It has been a special journey."

With a portfolio that spans visual mediums, including acrylic on canvas, digital design, ceramics and installation; Pitt has always been a creative at heart. In 2024, she established Lakkari Design, a stationery design service specialising in creating unique and personalised graphics for special occasions.

"I am a proud Gamilaroi Ularoi woman from Walgett. My artworks reflect the stories passed down to me from my family and explore the movement, essence and stories of my Country," she said.

"I have been fortunate enough to work on projects with community organisations, both First Nations led and non-Indigenous. I have also worked alongside brands such as Pinterest, Nike, Sportsgirl, ANZ and now Allen and Unwin."

Pitt notes that the help and input of fellow artistic creatives has been a rewarding experience.

"All three ladies, Michelle, Bianca and Melissa were so dynamic. Bianca's edits put an effortless, soft and beautiful touch on every story. Michelle guided me with the cover, page openers and glossary. Her design expertise really shined during the process. Melissa created space for creative freedom, her feedback on accessibility and colouring was so helpful. I have loved working alongside an all female team," she said.

"I have previously worked with publisher Melissa on other projects. When she approached me to create a colouring book I didn't know if it was the right fit for me. I was interested in how colouring books impact Aboriginal artist's copyright and intellectual property.

"We engaged Terri Janke to provide advice on Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) which reassured me on how my copyright will be protected. This gave me the confidence and reassurance to go ahead with Yuluwirri.

"Yuluwirri is for First Nations people and allies to appreciate my art. We've noted in the book that it's not appropriate for non-Indigenous people to create or sell Aboriginal art in any context. Reproducing any artwork for commercial or non-commercial use is strictly forbidden."

Looking ahead, the multi-talented creative says she has a number of projects in the works.

"I have a new personal collection of artworks and a very special jewellery pendant launching in November. The collection is titled Mirii, which means star in Gamilaroi Ularoi language," she said.

"It has been a journey learning about Gamilaroi Ularoi astronomy and to now hold this knowledge is extremely special to me."

Yuluwirri is now available for Pre-order and will be available in paper back form from the 4th of November, 2025 .

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