Overlander Adventurers

27 Apr 2015

Author Tamara Hogan describes the inspiration for the Overlander Adventurers storybook app, how it was developed and its potential in cultural tourism..

The Overlander Adventurers  offers an unique insight into the central west Queensland region known as the Flinders Shire (and more specifically, the ‘small, big town of Hughenden’).

While I’m not a stranger to working in rural and remote areas, I was, however, new to the region of Hughenden. I was only there a few short months when I became aware of the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF). 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; this same committee supported my application to bring the Overlander Adventurers to life.

Initially, I planned to apply for funding to continue my line of children’s books, a range of therapeutic readings for kids and families centred on the theme of mindfulness However, after spending a period of time in Hughenden, I changed my mind. I wanted to give back to the community.

Hughenden is full of the kinds of people that the wider nation would fondly think of as having that quintessential Aussie spirit. However, as to be expected, long-standing drought conditions have taken their toll. The effects are devastating – on the land, animals, producers, families, local businesses, and the morale of the place in general.

The thing is (and I’m sure some of the rain starved graziers might dispute me on this).. I perceived that the beauty of the countryside remains, year in, year out, despite the enduring drought conditions. The sunburnt colours are a literal canvas out there. I’m a romanticist at heart, and there’s nothing like the broad horizons and aching blue skies of Queensland’s mid west to stir the cogs of the intrepid creative.

Added to that, is the Flinders Shire rich prehistoric history which has resurfaced through many fossil finds in the area. The shire is also home to the spectacular Porcupine Gorge, and a diversity of wildlife and native flora, all of which is braced by the region’s intriguing historical background.

Hence my inspiration for the Overlanders Adventurers was born. I hooked onto the idea of using my love for storytelling to inspire visitors and tourists to travel along the Overlander’s Way, bringing renewed connectivity, life and funds with them.

The story centres on the character Jeremy Overlander, a Hughenden born and bred local, who welcomes his town-based cousin, Tommy Thimble, to the Flinders Shire for the school holidays. Beyond the story is an embedded educational experience where features of the Flinders Shire, including history, geography, industry and fauna, are shared in interactive form.

Creating the app took quite a bit of doing, truth be told. I enlisted the help of my treasured friends and seasoned creatives, the illustration and design duo, Ozan and Anil Tortop, both of whom were instrumental in bringing my first two children’s books to life.

Developing the app involved some key phases, including research and consultation, educational content design, along with storyline and character development. Then we had to work on nailing the illustrations, something Anil and Ozan worked long and hard at. This phase required extensive communication and cross referencing to ensure the overall tone of the countryside, including fauna, was accurately represented in each image, while still retaining the vivid freshness of illustration to appeal to a young audience.

Some of the greatest challenges however, lay in technology development. This stage involved a contractual service agreement with an app developer, who built the coding for the storybook to transform the creation into a downloadable app. This stage also required the services of a professional narrator, who lent a charming, laconic Australian accent to each page. Further, the input of a sounds technician and musician was required, to build a ‘theme’ sound for the app, along with characterising sounds for each of the main characters, animals, and landscape.

Where to from here? Ultimately, I need to source a smidgeon more funding. While the coding developers for the app did their very best, we were on a tight budget, and though minor, there are tweaks I’d like to make. I’d also value being able to update the current version to be compatible with recently released devices. Finally, the app is only available on Apple products; I’d love to be able to have the app built for android products as well (being technological discriminatory doesn’t sit too well with me;).

While it’s been a long journey (and rather steep learning curve!) I was just so rapt to finally be able to present the Flinders Shire with the results of their putting their faith in me.

As a practitioner of mental health and expressive therapies, Tamara has honed her craft as a specialist in practicing and teaching mindfulness, helping her clients discover wellbeing, recover creativity, and live emotionally savvy lives. She runs http://www.tamaraliving.com/, provides intensive 1:1 coaching, delivers inspired living programs and creative workshops (Heart ROAR® and BraZen Zen®), and creates story books of nourishment for little and big kids alike http://www.marybealiving.com/; www.overlanderadventurers.com.