Called Open Minds: Connected Hearts, the inaugural community project was held over three days in October at Kooyoora State Park near Bendigo.

Descendants of the Dja Dja Warrung people and local Aboriginal people shared their experiences with pupils from Daylesford, Hepburn, Bullarto and St Michael's primary schools.

They explored Aboriginal scar trees, rock wells, artifacts, bush tucker, indigenous plants and animals, traditional stories and a spot of didjeridoo and dance at ancient meeting places on Mt Kooyoora.

Daylesford resident and business owner Deri-Anne Wyatt created the project to benefit the community.

"Currently most local people have limited knowledge of the Dja Dja Wurrung or that their descendants still live in the district and most of the children here have little exposure to cultural diversity of any kind," she said.

"I thought best to start in our own back yard and make it as real as possible. The Indigenous people tell their story with heart , in person, rather than the students being limited to books and generalisations or stereotypes of

Australian Aboriginal people, often not even pertaining to the local area."

Ms Wyatt said a stepping stone was created towards ongoing relationships between pupils and the Aboriginal community.

Ms Wyatt hopes to secure ongoing relationships with Aboriginal community members and local schools.

"These experiences inspire essential life affirming qualities such as open mindedness, confidence, compassion and intelligent thinking," she said.