YARN STRONG SISTA

CONSULTING

Storytelling, festivals and events.

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YARN STRONG SISTA

STORYTELLING, FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

Yarn Strong Sista Consultants use a variety of both Contemporary and Traditional Stories to share our culture with both children and adults. Many different mediums are used including art work, story cards, childrens books and music.

Face painting

Children can choose from a range of Indigenous animals, tracks and symbols. These include kangaroo, echidna, possum, emu, lizard and snake to name a few! The face painter will be able to teach the children some Indigenous words for the animals, and will tell a “yarn” about the design painted on the child’s face. Red , black and yellow paints are used and children will learn the significance of colours of the Aboriginal flag.

Puppetry

“The Possum Hunt” Puppet Show is an interactive experience where children will hear Aunty Iris retell her childhood adventures. Iris and her brother Charlie take their billy tea and damper with them on their bush walk. The Possum Hunt Puppet Show is a contemporary story about Aboriginal culture, performed by Annette Sax, a Taungurung woman. Over the years Annette has shared this story with thousands of Victorian children across the State. Last year Aunty Iris’s story was translated by Chinese and Vietnamese teachers for children attending a Kindergarten in Richmond. During a festival, “The Possum Hunt” was shared with children and adults via sign language.

Festivals

Yarn Strong Sista Consultants have attended many festivals including Moonee Valley Childrens Festival, Moomba, and The Big West Festival. Consultants have conducted face painting, storytelling, pupperty, art experiences and traditional games for both childrens and adults.

Kinder mural

Read about Annette’s visit and kinder mural at a local preschool.

For more information on our Events, Workshops and Storytelling Sessions, please email Sharon, our YSS Booking and Events Coordinator, for a detailed outline of our programs. Email: sharon@yarnstrongsista.com

Frequently Asked Questions

An Aboriginal storyteller brings culture to life through stories passed down for generations, sharing language, song, and art. For community festivals and whole-school events, these sessions create memorable, engaging experiences that give children and adults a deeper understanding of Aboriginal culture. For smaller school groups, Yarn Strong Sista can host storytelling, art experiences, and/or Aboriginal face painting in our city space, providing a culturally immersive and interactive experience in a safe and supportive environment.

Aboriginal face painting is more than decoration — it connects children and educators to stories, symbols, and traditions.

  • Whole-school or community events: Face painting can be part of a larger celebration alongside storytelling, art, and music, helping everyone engage with culture in a memorable and inclusive way.
  • Classroom or smaller groups: Face painting can be offered in our city space or on-site at schools, providing hands-on experiences that open conversations about culture, identity, and respect.

All sessions are led by Aboriginal artists and educators, ensuring cultural safety and authenticity.

Yes. Yarn Strong Sista consulting sessions are always tailored to suit your goals and draw on over 20 years’ experience facilitating a range of experiences at festivals, community celebrations, and school events. We can adapt Aboriginal storytelling, art experiences, and face painting to create engaging, culturally rich programs for whole-school events or community celebrations. All sessions are led by Aboriginal educators and artists, ensuring authenticity, cultural safety, and meaningful connections to culture and traditions.

Storytelling is one of the oldest forms of teaching. When Aboriginal storytellers work with children at school events, festivals, or community celebrations, they share not only words and ideas but also values, connection to Country, and respect for Culture. These experiences create lasting impressions, helping participants understand and appreciate Aboriginal culture far beyond the event itself.

All age groups can participate. Early childhood children engage with interactive storytelling and art experiences that support cultural understanding, primary and secondary students develop deeper insights and respect for Aboriginal culture, and adults benefit from professional learning sessions or community events that enhance cultural knowledge. These experiences are adaptable to suit festivals, whole-school events, and community celebrations.

Through consulting, Yarn Strong Sista guides educators on how to incorporate Aboriginal culture into learning without relying on stereotypes or tokenism. We provide practical strategies for using storytelling, art experiences, and other Aboriginal resources in ways that are authentic, culturally respectful, and meaningful for students.

Yes. Yarn Strong Sista can arrange for an Aboriginal storyteller to attend school assemblies, conferences, festivals, and community celebrations. These sessions provide a powerful, respectful, and engaging way to share Aboriginal culture with large groups. Smaller groups can also participate in storytelling workshops at our city location, offering an intimate and interactive experience that connects participants directly with culture and tradition.

Children learn that symbols, colours, and patterns carry deep meaning in Aboriginal culture. Participating in Aboriginal face painting helps all children develop cultural understanding, creativity, and respect for tradition, while building a sense of pride and identity for Aboriginal children and families. These experiences are designed to be engaging and educational for all age groups.

Yes. Many schools, centres, and festivals choose to combine Aboriginal storytelling with face painting and can also include Aboriginal art experiences as part of a complete package. This approach blends story, art, and participation, creating richer, more memorable cultural learning experiences for all participants.

You can contact us through our website, by phone, or by email at Sharon@yarnstrongsista.com to discuss your ideas. Our bookings and events coordinator will help you plan an Aboriginal storytelling, face painting, or art experience that suits your group and ensures a respectful, culturally grounded approach.

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