Renowned Aboriginal artist Ronnie Jordan will host basket weaving workshops to help Aboriginal women across Goulburn-Mulwaree and Crookwell regions isolated by COVID-19 reconnect with culture and community, following a $30,000 investment by the Morrison Government.
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Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP, said Pejar Local Aboriginal Land Council will develop the series of cultural workshops to support and empower approximately 50 women across the region.
"During COVID-19, we've been hearing from communities the stresses, feelings of isolation and impacts on wellbeing that come from people being unable to engage in their usual social activities," Minister Wyatt said.
"This funding will allow Pejar LALC to engage renowned Aboriginal artist and mentor Ronnie Jordan to host basket weaving workshops as a vehicle for women to connect with each other remotely and restore some of those connections.
"The Morrison Government recognises the central role Aboriginal women play in strengthening their communities' resilience and health."
Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor welcomed the support for Aboriginal women in the Goulburn and Crookwell region.
"This is a really positive initiative to encourage people in the community to reconnect after what has been an incredibly tough and isolating year for many." Mr Taylor said.
"For over a month, this region was under strict stay at home orders, and throughout most of 2021, we've seen restrictions on gatherings or cancellation of local events due to the Delta strain.
"This funding will provide that opportunity for reconnection and will bring locals in the community together again."
CEO of Pejar, Delise Freeman, said the project is all about connection - to culture, to community and family.
"Women in our region were telling us they had feelings of lost identity and culture and difficulty as they tried to remain strong for their families," Ms Freeman said.
"In these workshops, Ronnie will teach traditional weaving techniques to help Aboriginal women reclaim knowledge and reinvigorate their culture.
"This will provide a friendly place to work on their projects together, discuss health concerns, share stories about their heritage and family and at the same time ensure the survival of traditional culture."
Ronnie Jordan is the founder of Culture on the Move and runs community, art, and cultural knowledge workshops.
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