Titled Wallaby Stew  Inspiring Stories from Down Under , the book is a collection of stories capturing the experiences of 37 young adults, outlining everything from sporting achievements to challenging personal issues.

Mrs Perkins a former Canterbury College teacher, said the idea for the book was sparked during a school camp when the book series Chicken Soup for the Soul  was read to the students.

``Three of us resolved that an inspirational, motivational, entertaining series set in an Australian context was needed.

The germination of this idea has taken 10 years to come to fruition,'' she said.

``The name choice came spontaneously as wallaby stew is ultra-Australian and its components qualify it as a soul-soother.

The concept of wallaby stew, moreover, engenders the conviviality of a meal when the family sits around the kitchen table discussing the events of the day.'' 

Born in Goondiwindi, Mrs Perkins lived in Mount Isa throughout the 1960s to 1980s, met her husband while working for Mount Isa Mines, and raised her family in the city.

She has several book titles under her belt including A Guide to the History of North-West Queensland. 

Capturing tales of life in Mount Isa and the North West, Mrs Perkins describes Wallaby Stew  Inspiring Stories from Down Under  as a collection of inspiration, motivational and entertaining stories.

The book's foreword is written by Governor-General Quentin Bryce, who said ``The collection will gladden hearts; young people revealing hopes and dreams, being frank about weaknesses and in a few cases surprised to discover their strengths''.

With only 3000 copies printed, all profits are destined for the Mater Children's Hospital and are expected to be a popular Christmas gift for friends and family.

To purchase a copy, contact Di Perkins at di@diperkins.com