At StoryBox Hub, we are deeply honoured to celebrate Kirli Saunders—a proud Gunai woman, acclaimed author, artist, and long-time advocate of StoryBox Hub and Story Tools. From our earliest days, Kirli has generously shared her voice, vision, and cultural leadership, helping shape our platform with stories that are not only beautifully told but profoundly rooted in truth, Country, and care.

In everything she creates, Kirli invites audiences—young and old—to listen deeply. Her storytelling is woven with the threads of knowledge, culture, and resilience, connecting us to one another, to the land, and to the enduring wisdom of First Nations Elders. For Kirli, storytelling is not only a creative pursuit—it is a cultural responsibility and a powerful act of advocacy.

In Afloat, a lyrical picture book illustrated by Freya Blackwood and Kirli’s most recent reading for StoryBox Hub, she guides readers on a gentle yet urgent journey of climate awareness and collective care. Framed by reflections on First Nations knowledge systems and custodianship of Country, the story reminds us of the strength found in community and the importance of listening to those who came before us.

“Afloat celebrates the wisdom of First Nations Peoples the world over… made for this time of rising temperatures and rising seas, calling for collective change to challenge the climate crisis and care for Country.” — Kirli Saunders

Inspired by a yarn with an Aunty about the metaphor of tying our canoes together to brave a storm, Afloat is a story of shared responsibility, resilience, and unity. It’s a timely reminder that First Nations Peoples have long held the knowledge to live in harmony with nature—and that listening, learning, and acting together is more important than ever.

Kirli Saunders is more than a writer—she is a poet, visual artist, educator, and cultural advocate. Whether creating on the page, dancing with community, surfing the coastline, or spending time in the bush with her dog Roo and brumby Yarraman, Kirli is deeply grounded in connection—to culture, to kin, and to Country.

At the heart of her work is a steadfast commitment to creating space for First Nations voices to be seen, heard, and celebrated. From her first story shared on StoryBox Hub to her most recent, Kirli has continually reminded us that stories are like threads—binding generations, crossing landscapes, and nurturing connection.

We are deeply grateful to walk alongside Kirli as she continues to weave these vital threads of story, culture, and connection. Her generosity, strength, and storytelling spirit enrich the StoryBox Hub community, and we are proud to have her as part of our extended StoryBox family.

Yadingji. Thank you, Kirli, for sharing your heart, your culture, and your stories—with honesty, grace, and unwavering purpose.