It was a gathering for encouraging and uniting the women of Gloucester.
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The Bucketts Way Neighbourhood Group held a celebration day for NAIDOC Week on Thursday, July 12 which brought together a broad spectrum of Gloucester’s women and children.
This year’s NAIDOC theme ‘Because of her we can’, for Aboriginal women like Aunty Pam Greer, was a long time coming.
“It’s been about the men; it’s been about the children,” she said. “Now it’s our time.”
Trainers from the Education Centre Against Violence, Pam Greer and Virginnia Elliott ran a morning talk about Aboriginal history, with Pam sharing the stories of her own family history.
This year’s NAIDOC Week is particularly special to Pam and Virginnia as it’s all about celebrating the invaluable contributions ‘Aborignal and Torres Strait Islander women have made and continue to make to our communities, our families, our rich history and our nation’.
“This is the year we have been waiting for,” Pam said.
Both Pam and Virginnia work to educate women, children and men to help break the cycle of domestic and sexual violence in families.
Pam told group of around 50 people the history of her family’s journey and the moment she realised that she wanted to help women.
In April last year, Pam and Virginnia ran a Strong Aboriginal Women (SAW) workshop in Gloucester and returned this year to spend time to following up with the women.
During the NAIDOC celebration, Pam invited everyone to share a little bit of their story, giving the women in the room the opportunity to create a bond and strengthen their sense of community.
Anne Keen
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
