New book gives voice to children

Wimmera people can read a new book celebrating the voices of the region’s children following a launch at Horsham Library during National Children’s Week.

Uniting Wimmera project worker Scott Robinson said We are Wimmera was the culmination of 12 months’ work, combining creative pictures and words bound only by the imagination of Wimmera children.

“We are Wimmera celebrates where we live and focuses on the strengths and successes of the region from the view of local children,” he said.

“In the past year we have been working with children from three to 12 years of age who hail from various locations throughout the Wimmera, collecting artwork that represents their view of life here and what makes them smile.

“What the children came up with was amazing, in fact we had way too many to fit them all in the book.

“In the end, we selected creative pieces that represented a vast range of children of various ages and locations in the Wimmera.

“The artworks were then professionally photographed to capture their full essence and now make up the pages of We are Wimmera.”

Mr Robinson said the book had been well received by children throughout the week during Uniting Wimmera visits to schools at Kaniva, Horsham, Stawell, Rupanyup and Dimboola.

“The book forms part of our focus to bring the voices of the children and families we support into our services,” he said.

“Books created by children, for children, assist in strengthening their sense of culture, language and literacy skills. We hope We Are Wimmera will create a sense of belonging for everyone who reads it.”

Uniting Wimmera has donated 100 copies of the book to Wimmera Regional Library Corporation’s Horsham branch to ensure access to anyone who wanted to read it.

Wimmera Regional Library Corporation spokeswoman Mary Dalgleish said the library was happy to include copies in its collection for children to borrow.

“We are also pleased to be able to provide a limited amount of free copies for children who would like their own copy to keep,” she said.

Uniting Wimmera provides support to children, young people and families in the region, to help them live in a safe and caring community.