One of the region's leading authorities on Kamilaroi culture has asked the community for their thoughts on getting some fading examples of local rock art restored for future generations.
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Len Waters wants the community to "start the conversation, and start thinking about what we want to happen."
"Some people might be a bit funny about touching them, and 30 years ago I would have been a bit funny about it, which is why we need people to start thinking and talking about it," he said.
"But now after growing with it, and seeing the deterioration I really want to go in there and help keep this alive, and try and revive it."
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The artwork on Boundary Rock near Daruka has been carbon dated to between 500 and 600 years ago, although the dating also found that the paintwork had been touched up several times since then, which is not uncommon in Aboriginal culture.
Mr Waters would also insist that "the right person, with the right spirituality and knowledge" would have to do the work if that is what the community wanted.
Traditionally, the artworks are made using ochre, which for ceremonies is mixed with spit or water and painted on people's bodies, however for longer lasting rock paintings that process would also include mixing the ochre with animal blood and fat.
"The conversation also needs to happen to source who we have, and maybe even bring people in from other areas to ask what is it we need to do?," Mr waters said.
"We don't just want someone who is a good artist, this is a real spiritual thing, and it is not just Boundary Rock, there are heaps around.
"I have been putting it out there for a while, but all of the community has a responsibility to have a say about the land they are on, to be proud of Kamilaroi country, to love being here, and to teach other people."
