Our Goolay’yari Home is a heartfelt children’s storybook that invites young readers and their families to explore the beauty, history, and biodiversity of the Goolay’yari (Cooks River), a significant waterway flowing through the lands of the Wangal, Gadigal, and Gameygal peoples in Sydney, Australia. Written by Chantel Cabrera and developed in collaboration with Marrickville Road Preschool, this book is a celebration of local ecosystems, community care, and the enduring connection between people and place.
The story follows a young girl and her aunty as they explore the Goolay’yari, discovering its rich biodiversity, from jumping mullet and mangrove crabs to whispering casuarina trees and playful rainbow lorikeets. Through their journey, they learn about the river’s history, its challenges with pollution, and the resilience of its plants and creatures. The narrative is filled with sensory experiences, playful language, and vibrant illustrations, encouraging children to connect with their local environment in a meaningful way.
Our Goolay’yari Home was born out of a desire to foster environmental stewardship in urban preschoolers. Inspired by her niece Adelina and her own deep connection to the Goolay’yari, Chantel Cabrera collaborated with Marrickville Road Preschool, local ecologist Aleksei Atkin, and other community members to create a story that is both educational and engaging.
The book combines mixed-media illustrations, including photographs and graphics, with a narrative that weaves together ecological knowledge, cultural history, and a sense of wonder. The development process involved:
The Goolay’yari holds deep cultural and ecological significance. Once a thriving system of wetlands and marshes, it has faced significant challenges due to urbanisation and pollution. Yet, it remains a place of resilience and community care. The book honours the river’s Indigenous heritage, using the name Goolay’yari (meaning “place of the pelican dreaming” in Darug language) and acknowledging the enduring connection of the Wangal, Gadigal, and Gameygal peoples to this land.
The project draws on principles of place-based education and ecopedagogy, aiming to help children develop a sense of belonging and responsibility for their local environment. By highlighting the river’s beauty and the collective efforts to care for it, the book encourages young readers to see themselves as part of a larger community of stewards.
Our Goolay’yari Home is more than just a storybook—it’s a resource for fostering environmental awareness and connection. The book includes:
The book has been embraced by Marrickville Road Preschool as a key resource for their place-based learning curriculum. It has sparked conversations among children, families, and the broader community about the importance of caring for local ecosystems. Plans are underway to publish the book in print format.
Our Goolay’yari Home is an invitation to explore, care for, and celebrate the natural world around us. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or nature enthusiast, this book offers a meaningful way to connect with your local environment and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
Explore the story and join us in caring for our Goolay’yari home.