STROUD local Rachel Barry has been announced as a successful recipient of the 2025 MidCoast Arts Support Program, receiving a $1500 grant to help bring her children’s book “Where Ripples Rise” to life.
The book celebrates the platypus (Yapii in Gathang language) and its precious local habitat, told through the eyes of a child sitting by the creek.
It combines story, art, and cultural heritage, to inspire mindfulness, conservation, and respect for nature,” author Rachel told News Of The Area.
The book was lovingly illustrated by Newcastle artist Estelle Leishman.
It features her unique eco-art approach, created using natural inks and pigments made from materials foraged along Stroud’s Mill Creek, the very waterway that inspired the story.
Estelle is currently completing her PhD at the University of Newcastle, working within the Indigenous History Centre “Purai” meaning earth in the Awabakal language.
“The process of illustrating this book went so much further than just drawing pictures,” Estelle said.
“Aside from studio time, some days I would be down at the platypus creek gathering rocks to turn into paint, others I was collecting fallen leaves from Rachel’s backyard to be used in a collage for the final pieces.
“I’ve gained a real appreciation for the town of Stroud, I get really excited whenever I come back to work here, as I know I’ll be greeted with some of the familiar faces that make up this friendly community.”
Worimi Traditional Owner Justin Ridgeway is also collaborating on the book.
“Uncle Justin will be contributing a Welcome to Country for the beginning of the book and a double-page spread at the back sharing the Worimi People’s deep connection to the platypus,” Rachel explained.
“He will also lead a smoking ceremony at the community book launch.
“The project will also involve Stroud Junior Landcare (the “Platypus Guardians”), with workshops for schools and the wider community that combine conservation, art, and cultural learning.”
The book’s share of the grant will help cover part of the production costs and provide opportunities for the community to engage with the book’s environmental and cultural messages; however, Rachel is still seeking further funding to cover self-publishing and printing costs.
The MidCoast Arts Support Program was first launched in March 2024, with the goal of continuing to support the creative industry sector, and this grant is only available to individual artists, collectives and cultural practitioners who reside in the MidCoast Council Local Government Area.
“This project is about children connecting to Country – building respect, mindfulness, and care for our waterways and land, and walking together into the future as Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
“It’s about mindfulness in nature, encouraging kids to slow down, take deep breaths, and connect with the natural world around them.”
Rachel hopes to have the first printed copies available by the end of the year and plans to tour MidCoast Council libraries in 2026.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
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