Mr Pryor spoke to the students, from Tintern Girls Grammar and Southwood Boys Grammar, about indigenous spirituality and modern indigenous issues, and how the two subjects were reflected in his writing.

Mr Pryor, who was born in Townsville in 1950, has worked in education, film, television, modelling, music and sport.

He won a silver medal for Australia in basketball at the 1994 World Masters Games and is also an accomplished didgeridoo player.

In 1990, he was awarded the National Aboriginal and Islander Observance Day Committee Award for outstanding contribution to the promotion of indigenous culture, and was one of the Victorian Premier's Reading Ambassadors for 2005.

Mr Pryor has co-written numerous books with Meme McDonald, including Maybe Tomorrow, My Girragundji, The Binna Binna Man, Nunjul the Sun and Flytrap.

Mr Pryor spoke about healing the past and creating positive visions for the future, finding strength within to deal with the challenges without, survival, optimism, finding a basis for mutual understanding and self-respect.

Tintern Schools principal Jenny Collins said Mr Pryor's visit had given students a better understanding of the issues surrounding indigenous people and "a desire to stand up against injustices when they see them".

"He spoke to the students about the Aboriginal culture and the importance of story telling and song to Aboriginal spirituality," she said.

"These stories explain the harsh environments, the lifestyle and beliefs.

"In particular, the students heard the story of how the boomerang got to fly and the animated way in which Boori told the story entranced and entertained the students.

"After the storytelling, he danced - getting many of the students involved – and played the didgeridoo.

"He really connected with our boys and girls."