Each year on 4 August, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day invites us all to celebrate the strength, resilience, and potential of First Nations children. In 2025, the theme “Little Footsteps, Big Future” beautifully honors the journeys First Nations’ children take as they grow; nurtured by culture, community, and deep connection to Country.
At Yarra Plenty Regional Library (YPRL), this theme resonates strongly with our ongoing commitment to championing stories, voices, and experiences of First Nations peoples through inclusive programs, collections, and community engagement. Our libraries are places where every child’s footprint matters, and where the future is built through the powerful act of storytelling.
Guided by Story: Culturally Rich Storytimes
Throughout August, YPRL branches will host special Children’s Day Storytimes designed to celebrate and reflect the richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. These sessions will include:
- Traditional Dreamtime stories
- Songs and rhymes
- Art-based storytelling activities
By weaving these cultural elements into early literacy programming, children and families experience not only the joy of reading, but also the importance of language and storytelling as central to identity and connection.
Collections that Celebrate Culture and Identity
At YPRL, we believe the stories we share today shape the future we build together. That’s why we offer a growing collection of First Nations titles across all age groups, ranging from vibrant picture books to powerful fiction and non-fiction. These resources, available in both physical and digital formats, help families explore Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history, and identity both at home and in the library.
In honour of Children’s Day, curated book displays will spotlight titles that celebrate Country, community, and growing up strong in culture, including:
- Welcome to Country by Aunty Joy Murphy and Lisa Kennedy
- My Culture and Me by Gregg Dreise
- Come Together by Isaiah Firebrace
- Country by Aunty Fay Muir and Sue Lawson
We also invite the community to explore YPRL’s Deadly Collection—a dedicated range of resources created by or about First Nations peoples. Spanning children’s literature, poetry, language, memoir, history, and more, this collection supports lifelong learning and cultural pride. Whether you're an educator, parent, or curious reader, the Deadly Collection is a vital place to connect with and celebrate the oldest living cultures on earth.