A cheeky kangaroo rat named Burrunga is winning hearts across the Western Downs, thanks to a brand-new children's picture book celebrating Barunggam Country, language and culture.
Burrunga on Country was officially launched at the Chinchilla Botanical Parklands, where more than 150 people gathered to celebrate the big debut — complete with lively performances from the Mura Biri Gururu Aboriginal Dancers and a community morning tea.
The book is the joyful result of a three-day creative whirlwind that saw students aged 10 to 14 from four Chinchilla schools join forces with Elders, artists and writers. Together, they dreamed up Burrunga's adventures — from tasting bush foods to learning new words and exploring Country with friends.
And in a clever twist, the story has also been brought to life among the gum trees and garden beds of the parklands. Each page of Burrunga on Country has been enlarged and displayed along a scenic walking trail, so children and families can stroll through nature while reading Burrunga's story from start to finish.
Three hundred copies have also been printed and are now available through BLACC SWAN (Bringing Language and Cultural Connections to South West Aboriginal Nations), the Western Downs Library in Chinchilla, and local school libraries at Chinchilla State Primary, Chinchilla High and St Joseph's.
The project was led by BLACC SWAN — an organisation with big dreams for language and culture revival. Director Billie Brassington said the project "reflects the organisation's vision when it was formed in early 2023".
"BLACC SWAN was born from a passion to keep culture strong and bring our mob together. This book is a great example of how storytelling can connect community, celebrate who we are, and make space for everyone to be part of something deadly," Billie said.
Western Downs artist and founder of Yiramilan Art, Birra-Li Warner, who co-designed the book with the students, said, "Seeing culture come to life on the page was deeply rewarding."
"This project has been such a meaningful experience — seeing my culture showcased and made accessible for children and families across the region," she said.
"To me, it's more than a book. It's a celebration of knowledge being shared."
The initiative was proudly supported by Origin Energy's APLNG Community Investment Fund.
Origin General Manager, Asset East, Austin Thayer, said Burrunga on Country is a shining example of what happens when community creativity and culture meet.
"This project has brought together many hands and voices, creating something truly special," he said.
"We're proud to be part of an initiative that honours the language of the Barunggam People and reflects the strong connection our young participants share with their community."
For St Joseph's School Learning Support Teacher, Mrs Leanne Draper, the project was as much about learning as it was about storytelling.
"The process gave students a new appreciation of culture," she said.
"Students involved didn't just write a story — they learned on Country, worked alongside Elders and artists, and came to understand how culture can be expressed through language and art.
"Having the finished book in our school library is something all our students can be proud of."
