Community Celebrates Launch of Are You OK Today?

Children’s Book: Are You OK Today?

Members of the Djukun community, alongside friends and supporters, gathered in Meanjin on Turrbal and Yuggera Country to celebrate the launch of Are You OK Today?, a new children's book written by Djukun woman and Djukun language specialist, Jaala Ozies.

The evening began with a heartfelt Acknowledgement of Country from Uncle Gene Blow, setting the tone for a special celebration of culture, language, community and wellbeing. Djukun Elder Fabian Nasir shared words of encouragement and support for the project, praising the book's message and expressing his belief that Are You OK Today? should be available in every school across Australia.

Acknowledgement of Country: Uncle Gene Blow

Written ahead of R U OK? Day on 10 September 2026, the book aims to encourage important conversations about feelings, emotional wellbeing and seeking support. Speaking at the launch, Jaala highlighted the urgent need for these conversations, noting the devastating impact that suicide continues to have on Aboriginal communities across the Kimberley. She shared her hope that the book will help children develop the confidence to talk openly about their feelings and support one another from an early age.

The story follows Wangadi the crow as he journeys through Djukun Country, checking in on his friends and asking how they are feeling. Through Wangadi's encounters with other animals, children are encouraged to recognise emotions, show kindness, look out for others and understand that it is okay to ask for help when they need it.

What makes Are You OK Today? particularly significant is its inclusion of Djukun language words throughout the story. With the Djukun language now endangered and at risk of being lost, the book plays an important role in supporting language revitalisation efforts while introducing young readers to Djukun culture, language and knowledge.

More than a children's book, Are You OK Today? is a valuable educational resource that supports social and emotional learning, cultural awareness and language preservation. It offers educators, counsellors, wellbeing practitioners and families a culturally rich way to start meaningful conversations about feelings, resilience, community and care for one another.

Author Jaala Ozies

As the evening concluded, attendees celebrated not only the launch of a new book, but also an important contribution to the preservation of Djukun language and the wellbeing of future generations.

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