Whispering Waters: A Sensory Celebration of Culture for NAIDOC Week by HeyDoodle

In celebration of NAIDOC Week, HeyDoodle is proudly spotlighting its Whispering Waters sensory mat – a uniquely textural, interactive creative playmat created in collaboration with Monero Ngarigo artist Lacey Yeomans to honour the stories, traditions, and connections of First Nations peoples.

Unlike other playmats within the multi-award-winning HeyDoodle range, Whispering Waters features no print.

Instead, it encourages children to explore a beautifully embossed and debossed silicone surface, designed to be touched, traced, and felt. The result is a sensory-rich experience that transforms learning into cultural storytelling, where every circle and wave tells part of a deeper narrative.

Designed for children aged three and older, the 40 x 30-centimetre food-grade silicone playmat comes with nine non-toxic markers, a water dropper, and a handy pouch, making it ideal for classroom use, travel, or play anywhere. It supports early learning skills such as fine motor development, pattern recognition, and pre-writing.

Children can colour the raised and recessed elements, trace shapes with their fingers, press water droplets into grooves, or even experiment with sensory paints to enhance texture play. Each use fosters creativity, fine motor development and a tactile appreciation for story and symbol.

“Whispering Waters invites explorers into a world where circles are magical waterholes and wavy lines are rivers connecting them,” explained artist, Lacey Yeomans.

“It’s a land of secret underground pools and lively gathering spots for animals and people, symbolising the unity and importance of water in nature.

“As they interact with this visual story, children can discover how waterholes are not just places to drink, but are vital for life and community, echoing the whispers of nature’s interconnected tales,” Lacey added.

Created by Melbourne-based mum, Beatrice Toh, HeyDoodle is an eco-conscious creative play brand that’s reinvigorating the many benefits of ‘old school’ creative play.

“This very special playmat celebrates the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” said Beatrice Toh, Founder and Director of HeyDoodle.

“We are so excited to share this collaboration with Lacey and proud to honour NAIDOC Week in a way that encourages children to connect with Country, art and story,” added Beatrice.

Reusable, mess-free, versatile and sustainable, the multi-award-winning range of HeyDoodle playmats are other creative play products are made to inspire imaginative young minds, enhance skills, and offer a sustainable solution for parents and caregivers looking to reduce waste while keeping kids entertained.

The HeyDoodle range of washable and reusable products are based on expert-backed developmental milestones of toddlers, children aged five-seven, and kids aged seven and older.

Available via HeyDoodle.com.au (including outside of NAIDOC Week), HeyDoodle ships nationwide and internationally.

The RRP of HeyDoodle’s Whispering Waters sensory playmat is AUD $35.95. To order and learn more, visit: https://heydoodle.com.au/products/whispering-waters.