Djilak-Djirri Playgroup creates children's book in community effort

Heidelberg West’s Aboriginal community came together to create a children's book full of magical moments to encourage learning. See how the process came to be.

Shannon Jimeno from Banyule Council reads a book to Ngartair. Picture: Rodney Dekker

Heidelberg West families have played a hand in the creation of a new Aboriginal ABC book.

Members from the Djilak-Djirri playgroup worked with a speech pathologist to create the book, which uses Aboriginal words to teach the alphabet.

It also included pictures and artwork created by the families.

Playgroup mum Lowanna Wickham said it was an awesome experience.

The Djilak-Djirri ABC book was made in celebration of National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day in collaboration with Banyule Community Health’s We Love Stories program.

Children of the Djilak-Djirri playgroup at the book launch. Picture: Rodney Dekker

Djilak-Djirri Playgroup’s Kristen Munro said Djilak-Djirri was a culturally safe gathering place for Aboriginal families.

“Djilak-Djirri means ‘play’ in the Woi-wurrung language and it’s a place where families have a yarn and play, make new friends, hear stories and get creative, while also learning about culture, wellbeing and health,” Ms Munro said.

We Love Stories is a community literacy campaign to celebrate and share stories in the Banyule community.

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Banyule Community Health chief executive Michael Geary said the book brought culture, connection and storytelling together.

“Local families will treasure this book for years to come,” Mr Geary said.

Find out more about We Love Stories on Facebook.

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