Storytime with elders help kids mark NAIDOC at Townsville’s Toy Library

A respected local elder was surrounded by children as he read storybooks at a special NAIDOC event hosted by Townsville’s Toy Library.

Amy Gomez reads to her brother Johnny Gomez at the Stay and Play NAIDOC week celebration. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Respected local elder Trevor Prior was surrounded by children as he read storybooks at a special NAIDOC event hosted by Townsville’s Toy Library on Thursday.

“This year, NAIDOC is about the elders, and as an elder, I thought it would be good to talk to the kids because they grow up to be our future,” Mr Prior said.

“Children radiate their light to all people, especially older people; this light makes us happy.”

Trevor Prior.

Among the books he read were ‘Story Doctors’ and ‘Shake A Leg’ written by his uncle, multi-award-winning children’s author Boori Monty Pryor.

“These stories teach kids about to care for the land and teach them about our native animals along with the invasive ones,” Mr Prior said.

“As elders, we look after country for the next generation.

“These lessons are important to pass on.”

Stacey Prenter from Townsville’s Toy Library says their goal was to create inclusive space for all families, and they especially wanted to engage more with the First Nations community in Vincent as they prepare to relocate there next month.

The organisation also recently had its logo redesigned by local Indigenous artist Luke Duffy from Deadly1 Designs.

“The Townsville Toy Library acknowledges the Wulgurukaba of Gurambilbarra and Yunbenun, Bindal, Gugu Badhun and Nywaigi as the Traditional Owners of this land,” she said.

“We pay our respects to their cultures, ancestors and their Elders, past, present, and all future generations.”

Originally published as Storytime with elders help kids mark NAIDOC at Townsville’s Toy Library