The South Sea Islander Hut in Mackay would have to be one of the most beautiful places to hold a writing workshop. The side walls are lifted in sections and propped open to the tropical greenery of the botanic gardens. Natural light, breeze and birdsong fills the space.

Our weekend workshop in August began with a smoking ceremony, welcome yarning circle and supper on Friday night, followed by two days of guided creative writing, story-sharing and deep conversation. It was attended by nine community matriarchs, with four young women supporting.

Opening sessions each day in movement and relaxation, led by Nadia Townsend, helped participants set aside their usual commitments and drop into the here and now. But how do you even begin to tell the story of yourself, your family, or your whole community?

By starting small.

Simple prompts helped draw out sense memories and vivid details — some familiar, others extraordinary and particular to certain places. We explored how scenes illustrate a moment in time, how people reveal themselves through action, how everyday objects can become symbols of something greater. Encouraged to abandon narrative constraints, participants played with a lyric approach. They discovered how laying fragments side by side can build a powerful picture, how the leaf paints the tree. There was time to sit alone outside in the gardens and follow where the prompts led. Memories bubbled up and stories began to flow. Stories of truth, love, determination and survival.

On Sunday afternoon, we had an informal presentation. Each participant chose a piece they’d been working on to read aloud to the group. Painful memories were shared, some for the very first time. Reflections on loved ones and beauty and childhoods brought laughter and tears. An account of teen holiday camp crushes left us eager for the next instalment—who ended up with whom?

With every one of these stories, we wanted to know more. The group felt the pleasure of self-expression, the triumph of setting their experiences down on the page and connecting with others. The Elders agreed they wanted to do more of this. They made plans to meet up regularly and continue writing. They felt emboldened to share their stories more widely.

This was just the beginning.