Something special is growing at The Gallery…
We’re bringing together story, language, and art to create ‘First Words First’ – a dedicated children’s book corner and cultural space designed especially for families.
This new corner will feature First Nations authored or illustrated children’s books, alongside an interactive mini-exhibit that celebrates storytelling, language revival, and creativity. It’s still coming to life – and we can’t wait to share it with you!
This initiative is more than a book display—it’s an immersive, interactive experience designed to celebrate the power of storytelling, the importance of language, and the beauty of First Nations art. Families, schools, and visitors are invited to engage, learn, and celebrate culture in a space created especially for children.
At the heart of ‘First Words First’ is a curated bookshelf of First Nations authored or illustrated children’s titles, available for purchase at The Gallery shop. Many of these titles will include teaching resources, providing opportunities for deeper learning both at home and in the classroom.
The book corner will include an interactive literacy zone, designed to engage children with language, art, and storytelling. Here, QR code listening posts will let children hear Elders and authors share words in their languages, while vibrant art print panels showcase illustrations from featured books. A cozy reading rug and story circle mat invite children to sit, read, and connect, and a “Your Story” station encourages them to create their own tales on take-home story cards.
‘First Words’ First is part bookshop, part cultural display, and part interactive learning zone, offering children and families a vibrant space to explore. Visitors can browse and buy beautifully crafted children’s books that celebrate culture and language, experience storytelling that highlight the richness of First Nations oral traditions, discover language revival in action as stories and artworks bring First Nations words to life, and connect with culture through art, words, and play in a colourful, welcoming environment.
This is a place to read, listen, learn, and celebrate together.
“’First Words First’ is more than a book corner – it’s a space where children can connect with language, culture, and stories that celebrate First Nations heritage. We can’t wait to share this experience with families and our community.”
– Dallas Gittins, Executive Project Coordinator.
Launch Date
📍 Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance, The Gallery, 6 Park Avenue, Coffs Harbour
📅 Saturday 18th October 2025
🕐 1PM – 3PM
🔗 RSVP essential for planning
This project is proudly presented by the Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance, activating The Gallery with creativity, culture, and connection. Together, we celebrate the voices of First Nations storytellers and artists while inspiring the next generation of readers to carry language and culture forward.
Check out our first catalogue!
Interested in partnering with us? Learn more at HERE.
Media Contact: Janan Greenwood | General Manager | gm@saltwaterfreshwater.com.au
Presented to you by Saltwater Freshwater Arts Alliance and supported by Indigenous Languages and Arts through the Australian Government.
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