I’ve photographed at the Birpai Local Aboriginal Land Council in Port Macquarie a number of times and I always love returning to this welcoming space. The centre is set amongst the bush with native plants endemic to the area, which local Birpai people can demonstrate many traditional uses for. Every time I’m there, I learn more about the local culture of our First Nations people, and about the Birpai/Dunghutti country that I’m so lucky to live in. I was photographing for a not-for-profit organisation, FCAN (The Financial Counsellors’ Association of NSW Inc). FCAN was in Port Macquarie for a conference with volunteers and suppliers from across the state. They were treated to cultural performances and demonstrations from local indigenous children and women. The sting ray dance performed by the ladies is always a highlight – it’s so serene and calming. Following the dances, everyone (including me) learnt traditional weaving with Trish. The same technique can be used to weave jewellery or baskets, using the lomandra grass. After weaving, Rhonda walked us around the garden to learn about plants and their uses. Lemon myrtle was one of the local bush foods used to make these delicious deserts. […] Read More
Today is National Sorry Day. This week is Reconciliation Week in Australia. I show my respect for all those who have suffered and those who continue to heal as a result of our country’s past, and the continuing inequalities between black and white Australia. Australia prides itself on being a place of fairness. But our government doesn’t always reflect the values of it’s citizens. Our Constitution still does not recognise the first Australians, and it still allows the States to ban people from voting based on their race. I was shocked and disturbed when I heard this. I support changes to recognise Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our Constitution. RECOGNISE (the people’s movement to recognise ATSI peoples in our Constitution) says that “National Sorry Day is a time to recognise and remember the trauma in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities affected by the Stolen Generations policies.” Please take a moment to visit the RECOGNISE website here. Photos I shot at Chill Island Festival, 2008. Read More
