Published on Monday, 31 March 2025 at 5:57:33 PM
A three-year cultural collaboration between Noongar and Hazara families and Mount Barker Community College students has culminated in the publication of four children’s storybooks in Mount Barker.
The Reading for Generations Project was initiated in August 2022 to encourage Noongar and Hazara families to develop their children’s early literacy skills.
Manager Community and Recreation Services Nicole Selesnew said the project involved working with Noongar and Hazara families to produce four children’s storybooks based on stories relevant to the Plantagenet community.
“The story text includes a translation to Noongar or Hazaragi language, which empowers parents to read to their children,” Mrs Selesnew said.
“Each book includes a link to sound-files of the stories being read in English, Noongar or Hazaragi and ideas and instructions for interactive play-based learning activities.”
Mount Barker Community College Year 4, 5 and 6 art students illustrated the stories with support from art teacher Jay Klinac and children’s author and illustrator Leanne White.
The aim of the project is to distribute the storybooks throughout the Shire of Plantagenet and beyond in a celebration of the community’s cultural diversity and inclusivity.
“A focus on the Noongar and Hazaragi languages will extend the book appeal across the south-west (Noongar land) and statewide where Hazara people reside,” Mrs Selesnew said.
“The National Library of Australia and State Library of WA have requested copies, alongside public libraries from throughout WA."
“The availability of print and e-book versions through Amazon will ensure the resource is available extensively and for generations.”
The State Library of WA’s Better Beginnings program co-funded the Reading for Generations project with the Shire of Plantagenet.
STORY OVERVIEWS:
Little Boy Lost
Jeanette Krakouer kindly offered a story from her family history, ‘Little Boy Lost’, which follows the journey of a four-year-old boy who wandered from his home and was missing for more than 12 hours in freezing winter rain. The townsite of Mount Barker was looking for the little boy who couldn’t be found. The search was called to a halt due to darkness and weather conditions, however local Noongar man Sammy Miller used his uncanny bushcraft, tracking skills and cultural wisdom to find the child who had wandered 5km from his home.
Ali Sina Azimi captured two family folk tales from Afghanistan: Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves and The Farmer and the Snakes. Ali sat with his family and listened to them telling the popular folk tales, writing both stories down for the project. Ali was guided through the storytelling process by Leanne White and has produced two colourful, exciting tales. Ali spent time showing the college students images of his life in Afghanistan to help with their illustrations and was inundated with questions about life in the mountains and villages.
The Farmer and the Snakes
A hardworking farmer bravely faces thieves and snakes - what happens next? Join his adventure and find out if he discovers the treasure he deserves. The Farmer and the Snakes is a traditional Hazara folk tale. This story was told to Ali Sina Azimi by his family and now he shares it with us.
Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves
A poor, honest woodcutter discovers gold and riches by using a secret password. See what happens when his treasure is discovered and the thieves want it back. Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves is a traditional Hazara folk tale. This story was told to Ali Sina Azimi by his family and now he shares it with us.
Bella Kelly
Children’s book author and illustrator Leanne White worked with local Noongar families and Noongar art collectors/exhibitors to create the story of Bella Kelly’s life. The moving story covers Bella’s journey from drawing with sharp sticks in the sand to paintings on canvas being exhibited nationally, all the while experiencing considerable personal trauma and hardship. The story ends with Bella’s children, and her children’s children, becoming amazing artists in their own right and continuing the legacy of Bella Kelly.
BOOK LAUNCH:
The storybooks will be launched at 3.30pm on 3 April at Mount Barker Community College ‘M-Block Undercover Area’ followed by afternoon tea. The community are invited to celebrate the launch. Please register to the Shire for catering purposes.
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