Australia's top diplomats are trickling home to put textas to the butcher's paper to help devise the nation's new foreign policy strategy.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop in February summoned 113 ambassadors, high commissioners and consuls generals home for a first-of-its-kind meeting.
They will provide input into the development of a new foreign policy blueprint, known as a white paper.
Such gatherings are an established fixture on the calendar of other nations.
The ambassadors will meet with Ms Bishop, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Trade Minister Steve Ciobo and other ministers.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade boss Frances Adamson said following the meetings ambassadors will travel to other Australian capitals and rural and regional areas.
About a quarter of them were born in country areas.
Ms Adamson said half will go off the beaten track and talk about the importance of the work DFAT does overseas and listen to people's concerns particularly around globalisation and economic restructuring.
"It's very important to me ... (DFAT is) having conversations not just with like-minded people but talking to communities in Australia," she told the Australian Institute of International Affairs.
The cost of bringing the ambassadors to Australia is $1.1 million and it's been offset by saving $400,000 not holding other meetings.
The last foreign policy white paper was published under John Howard in 2003.
