19/06/2020

Twelve children and young people in residential care have taken part in a project to create a hand-painted quilt, as part of a range of cultural activities held to recognise National Reconciliation Week (NRW).

This year’s NRW theme was “In This Together,” aimed at encouraging all Australians to reflect on the part they play – whether big or small – on our journey towards Reconciliation.

The colourful quilt showcased the combined efforts of the participants and demonstrated their willingness to come together to learn about and celebrate Aboriginal culture.

Quilt made of 20 square panels sewn together Each panel is painted by a young person representing an element of Aboriginal history or culture. Includes a colourful turtle, Aboriginal flag, rainbow serpent and emu.The artwork featured a range of painting styles and imagery. It included a square depicting held hands to symbolise coming together and respect, an animal silhouette representing the land, the sea and the sky, a family sitting by a river with bush tucker, and goanna, kangaroo and emu tracks nearby, highlighting Aboriginal peoples’ connection to the land.

Youth workers involved in the project said participants respectfully shared resources and completed their paintings with pride while gaining a deeper understanding about the significance of NRW and the Reconciliation journey.

Other DCP NRW activities held from 23 May to 3 June, involved children and young people in care preparing traditional meals, hiking at Para Wirra to view spear sharpening holes, visiting Bonney Reserve to identify some of the traditional plants used by the Aboriginal community for medicines and food, creating bush tucker gardens and doing traditional crafts.