The Overlander Adventurers storybook app was made possible through the The Flinders Shire Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).

RADF forms partnership with regional based councils as a Queensland Government through Arts Queensland initiative.

Creator of the app, Tamara Hogan, was rapt to discover the availability of RADF funding for the Flinders Shire. “I came to learn that longstanding members of Hughenden’s local RADF committee have been responsible for creating real depth of artistic and cultural development in the region.”

Tamara first thought to apply for funding to continue her line of children’s books, a range of therapeutic readings for kids and families starring a central character known as ‘Mary Bea’.

However, after spending a period of time in Hughenden, Tamara changed her mind.

“I really wanted to give back to the community.”

“This place is full of the kinds of people that the wider nation would fondly think of as having that quintessential Aussie spirit; neighbours lend each other a hand, people watch out for each other’s kids, and there’s a level of resourcefulness and independence here that harks back to bygone eras.”

“However, as to be expected, long-standing drought conditions have had a serious impact out here. The effects can be devastating, on families, local businesses, and the morale of the place in general.”

And yet, Tamara reflected, the beauty of the countryside remains, year in, year out, despite the lack of rain. “The sunburnt colours are a literal canvas out here.”

Hooking onto the idea of using her love for storytelling to inspire visitors and tourists to travel along the Overlander’s Way, bringing renewed connectivity, life and funds with them, became the driving force behind The Overlander Adventurers.

“I wanted to find a way to share the Flinders Shire with a much broader audience”.

Next week: why the storybook app vs a traditional book?