Community stories: 31 July 2024
Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre Inc (TNC) set out to build the economic and cultural sustainability of the Worimi Indigenous Community through a free, culturally safe workshop where participants were able to connect with culture through story and art.
Born out of a collaboration between Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre and Koori Colours Art Gallery in Tanilba Bay, the ‘Adult Indigenous Art and Cultural Canvas Workshop’ project was supported by a $6,407 grant, awarded through the Small and Vital stream of the Strengthening Rural Communities grant program.
While the workshop’s primary audience was Indigenous members, it was inclusive to all in the hopes of building a stronger social fabric in the community. There were 50 attendees, including Deputy Mayor Leah Anderson and Warlga Ngurra Women and Children’s Refuge committee member Aunty Mook (Delece Manton).
The two-day workshop was facilitated by Worimi artist Jason Russel, who inspired members to infuse their unique stories into artistic creations. Jason provided teachings on symbols, the stories behind them, and traditional methods of painting used by Worimi people.
The project culminated in an exhibition on 1 March, 2024, at Tomaree Library and Community Centre. Opened by Jason with a welcome to country in traditional Gathang language and smoking ceremony, the exhibition displayed all participants’ artworks and gave the wider Port Stephens community an opportunity to meet the artists and hear the stories behind their work.
TNC reported that they were proud to successfully provide a supportive and inclusive space for people to create, heal, yarn, and connect to culture. ‘Through the sharing of culture, we are contributing to closing the gap on a grassroots level.’
