VOICES OF THE W H E AT B E LT OUR PLACE, OUR STORIES Voices of the Wheatbelt: Our Place our Stories is a community arts project carried out between July 2009 and June 2010 in the Southern Wheatbelt towns of Brookton, Pingelly, Narrogin and Wagin, Western Australia. Photography and filmmaking were used to explore notions of place and belonging, in doing so it encouraged a sense of pride, built relationships and fostered community participation and harmony. These pages contain just a small selection of images taken by local community members. Each image takes you on a journey into an element of Wheatbelt life; they invite you to explore culture, the community and the landscape through the eyes of those who live, play and work there. This book also includes a DVD with three short films made in Narrogin, Brookton and Wagin. The films feature stories from local Elders and community members about Noongar culture and history.
VOICES OF THE W H E AT B E LT OUR PLACE, OUR STORIES
voices of the w h e at b e lt OUR PLACE, OUR STORIES You are stepping into a vivid sensory experience where dust rises up from sheep hooves, shearing happens without socks and local residents introduce you to their families and invite you into their homes. Tread carefully as bull ants quench their thirst, wild storms bring drought relief and teddy bears are won at the show. There are vibrant sunsets, tranquil moments of open countryside and Noongar Elders welcome you to sacred sites and share stories of culture and days gone by. Enjoy the following heartfelt and proud Voices of the Wheatbelt!
d v d p r e s e n t a t i o n - i n s i d e B a c k COVER
Front Cover Photo - Jenny Windsor Inside Front & Back Cover Photo - Tyrone Bennell DVD Photo - Tyrone Bennell
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FOREWORD Š Community Arts Network WA Ltd. 2010
Principal Funding Partner
Community Arts Network WA Ltd. (CAN WA) 357-365 Murray Street Perth WA 6000 t 08 9226 2422 f 08 9226 2230 e admin@canwa.com.au www.canwa.com.au www.voices.canwa.com.au
This project was funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
Other Funding Partners
This book is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher. Requests and inquiries concerning production and rights should be addressed to Community Arts Network WA Ltd, PO Box 7514, Cloisters Square WA 6850 or admin@canwa.com.au. Every reasonable effort has been made to contact copyright owners of materials reproduced in this publication. The publishers welcome communication from any copyright owner from whom permission was inadvertently not obtained. National Library of Australia Cataloguing-In-Publication data: Voices of the Wheatbelt: Our Place, Our Stories ISBN: 0-9581235-7-8
GOVERNMENT OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Department of Culture and the Arts
The colours, spirit, people and landscape sums up the beauty within the Wheatbelt region, which is accustomed and at times only appreciated by the people that live there. This book is a special insight into the uniqueness of the people, children and colours. It also captures the isolation, loneliness of place, and a strong sign of pride by the people who call the Wheatbelt region their home. Place and belonging is the very heart of this great compilation of imagery and clearly the children are the heartbeat of the country. They symbolize the ongoing growth of the family tree. Living with and working with the land is also a sign of the combined pride in a oneness between man and land. The balance is captured majestically in the splendour of a land that many would not know about, but the residents of this region are much the richer for knowing this secret treasure. They open up and share through this collection of images for all to appreciate. Arwoon Nyoongar Buja, Mooditch.
the turbulent periods of colonisation culture and language remains a priority and I commend CAN WA for facilitating cultural conversations through the eyes of the camera and showcasing them in this publication. I write this with pride as my wife is Nyoongar and my two sons are part Nyoongar and my two grand children are also Nyoongar. Ngulla koorlangka ngulla bidiyar boordawarrn. Our children, our future leaders.
Mark Bin Bakar From the Kitja, Djaru, Gooniyandi tribes WA Australian of the Year 2008 Indigenous Person of the Year 2007/2008 Arwoon
This collection of images also paints the Wheatbelt as a special place to the people who traditionally come from there, the Nyoongar people. Its uniqueness is very much in their hearts, minds & spirit. Since time began and through
Compiled by Michael Atkinson Designed by The Loft Group Printed by GEON Australia Pty Limited. Disclaimer Throughout this project more than 100 participants took photographs. In each session participants were assigned a numbered memory card and their photos were carefully stored in their individual folder. Sometimes the participant became the subject as a friend or classmate spotted a great shot. In these large group situations, it just wasn’t possible to keep track of the camera swapping. For that reason, some of the photos in this book maybe credited incorrectly. Wherever we could, we have tried to credit the images as accurately as possible.
Left Photo - Juwan Storey; Right Photo - Juwan Storey
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INTROD U CTION I feel very privileged to be presenting you with Voices of the Wheatbelt: Our Place, Our Stories. Each of these pages tell a story, an intimate moment that was captured by an adult or a child behind a digital camera. Each page also conveys a moment, a feeling experienced by those who live and love this part of our country. This publication presents a rich visual narrative of the deep connection between people and places of the Southern Wheatbelt. The narrative is enhanced by the participant comments, which reveal the significance of certain places, events and relationships throughout this book. These captions let us into the intimate relationship between people, community, culture and place. This publication also contains 3 short films made by the communities as part of skill based cultural exchange workshops involving Noongar children and Elders. These short stories are an invitation to journey back to the country where local Elders share personal accounts of growing up in the Wheatbelt. Some of their stories take us on an informative, personal and moving journey back to a time where Noongar families experienced segregation.
CAN WA is passionate and committed to working with rural and remote communities throughout Western Australia to support community arts and cultural development. During this project, CAN WA gained further funding to implement a four-year Arts and Cultural Development program in the Southern Wheatbelt. We established our second regional office in Narrogin and employed an Aboriginal Arts and Cultural Development Coordinator who will steer the programs in the region. This project has been invaluable for CAN WA to introduce itself and demonstrate its approach. Significant support for the project was gained in each town from a variety of stakeholders including Aboriginal community and Elders, local community organizations, schools, local, state and federal government agencies and police. We are very grateful for their support and look forward to working with everyone on future projects. Pilar Kasat Managing Director
A sense of place and belonging are very powerful human emotions and we have learnt that something pretty magical occurs when people are supported and enabled to look at their place through fresh eyes. Throughout this project we observed the participants develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for their surroundings and an enhanced sense of individual and collective pride. Projects like this are essential to build communities from the inside out. They benefit the community by bringing people together in fun learning environments where they share meaningful experiences that bring them closer to each other and to their place. CAN WA supports people to invest in their communities and join together to bring about greater cohesion and participation. Families who might ordinarily not engage with one another came together to share stories, experiences and hopes for the future.
Photo - Michael Atkinson
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STOR Y B EHIND THE PRO J ECT We identified opportunities in each town to form partnerships and add value to existing projects and activities. A professional photographer with community development experience was employed to assist with the community engagement process as well workshop design and implementation.
Photography Workshops Four 5-week and two 3-week photographic workshops took place between November 2009 and March 2010. Participants ranged in age from 7 years to 75 years. Workshops were arranged with the assistance of local community organisations including Aboriginal progress associations, schools and local government. You are about to enjoy a sample of photos and three short films created through a series of community-oriented skill based workshops conducted in four Southern Wheatbelt towns of Western Australia (Brookton, Pingelly, Narrogin and Wagin). This publication introduces 105 local residents who give a candid insight into life in the Wheatbelt. Through their photo stories and film presentations they reframe stereotypical images and bring Voices of the Wheatbelt to life.
Community Cultural Development The objectives of the project were to foster a sense of belonging and strengthen relationships between Aboriginal families and among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. Through the process technical skills were developed, new friendships established, understanding of history and local culture developed and a sense of indivdual and town pride built upon. This project followed on from Phase 1 of the Voices of the Wheatbelt project where photography, song writing and other artistic workshops were carried out in four Eastern Wheatbelt towns (Quairading, Kellerberrin, Tammin and Merredin). An independent evaluation report and consultation with the original project team was used to reflect on the first phase and shape development of Phase 2. An initial period of consultation took place in each town where the priority concern raised was young people disengaging from education and employment. Photo - Bo Wong
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Participants learnt about the technical and artistic aspects of digital photography, including the elements of design, composition and ways to use light. The theme of place and belonging was explored through the workshops, commencing with a conceptual brainstorm where local sites, events, and people were identified as possible photo opportunities. Excursions to places in and around each town were organised. As people sat on buses and walked around local sites they shared stories about changes over the years, made new friends, and talked about the future. Where necessary participants were lent cameras between workshops and encouraged to take photos throughout the week. In the last session of each workshop participants chose their favourite photos and were supported to write a caption that expressed their life in the town.
Filmmaking Workshops Throughout the photographic workshops participants expressed interest in participating in other community arts activities such as youth cultural retreats, filmmaking and public art. Significant interest was also expressed in developing a cultural festival to bring people together from across the region in a celebration of Noongar culture. After discussions with community leaders we proceeded with filmmaking workshops. Filmmaking presented an alternative way to achieve project objectives and an opportunity to support a festival type event where the short films produced through the workshops could be screened.
Three 4-day filmmaking workshops took place between April and June 2010 in Brookton, Narrogin and Wagin. An initial planning session was facilitated to brainstorm story ideas and plan for the 3-day practical workshop, which was held a week later. Elders and Noongar adults and school children participated in the 3-day workshop that covered storyboarding, camera work, sound and lighting. Filming took place at missions, reserves and other local sites in documentary format where Noongar children interviewed Elders and adults about life back in the days of reserves and missions. A copy of the films is inserted at the back of this publication on a DVD titled Koorliny Noonook Boodja (Back to Country).
Exhibitions Three community photography exhibitions have been held at significant local events: In Wagin at the Wagin Woolorama where approximately 15,000 people attended over 2 days. In Brookton at The Old Time Motor Show where approximately 5000 people attended. In Pingelly at the annual Market Day where approximately 500 people attended. All of the exhibitions received excellent feedback and the final exhibition will be held in Narrogin from the 24 June 2010.
Website A key goal of Phase 2 was to bring both phases together and round off the project. This has been done through the creation of a website which showcases both phases of the project. The website also outlines the project process and promotes both publications. Visit us at www.voices.canwa.com.au.
Conclusion Several other community arts projects were inspired through this project, which were implemented as part of CAN WA’s ongoing Community Cultural Development project being run in the Southern Wheatbelt. CAN WA hopes you enjoy this display of photos and films generously provided by local community members from the Southern Wheatbelt region of Western Australia. Michael Atkinson Project Manager
When choosing images, I have been keen to use images shot in people’s homes. It was important in the project to change participant’s perspectives on what was worthy of photographing, as contemporary photomedia can differ in subject matter from traditional photography practice. For example, Sue Bennell’s images of her feet on the weighing scales can be considered intimate self-portraits and say much about the photographer. Some images have been chosen purely on their merit as a ‘pretty picture’, however many images suggest the boredom, emptiness, heat and other uncomfortable parts of life in the Southern Wheatbelt. Alternatively, some images do suggest happiness and fun with families and evoke beauty and kindness. Some images suggest neither. This project could have been edited in a variety of ways but I have deliberately edited with a multi-dimensional approach. In this way, the project has more depth, texture and multiple ways of being viewed. The images may not necessarily provide answers (photography’s traditional identity) but may leave the viewer asking questions (photography’s contemporary role), creating engagement and dialogue. Bo Wong Photographer and Artist Facilitator
Photo - Michael Atkinson
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This is me on the street that I live on. I used the self-timer. It looks cool how I took it. Juwan Storey
Photo - Lou Johnson
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Photo - Juwan Storey
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“Statesman car”. My parents in law owned this car for over 20 years. It’s seen about eight trips backwards and
He’s actually biting his nose but it looks really cute. I
forwards across the Nullarbor, the
like the lighting, the background and it looks cute and
motor has been redone twice, just
pretty.
about every panel has been replaced,
Breanna Brinkworth
and it has had two paintjobs. A lifetime of memories go with this car. Sandra Johnson
Top Photo - Jenai Collard; Bottom Photo - Sandra Johnson
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Top Photo - James Mead; Bottom Photo - Breanna Brinkworth
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I really like the fence post cut from original bridge, T5 bridge approach. This bridge is a mark for river flow levels. The school bus had to leave town when water was due to go over the old bridge level. A WW1 chap had to swim the bridge for his last leave home before embarkation (Fred Mills). Jan Eva
Left Photo - Juwan Storey; Middle Photo - Lou Johnson
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Photo - Jan Eva
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I loved the sloping angles and levels of the fence and rock wall. The naturalness of the wood, rocks, trees and weeds
Curious neighbours - After my older brother married and took over the farm, the rest of us moved to town. The emus
give the feeling that time has gone by and all is allowed to relax and the hard work is over. Nine Acre Rock, Brookton.
were entertaining neighbours for my brother and I.
Beryl Stephenson
Anne Goldsmith
Photo - Beryl Stephenson
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Photo - Anne Goldsmith
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I love this picture because it is replete with history. I love history. The history of the 50-year friendship of these wonderful professional women, one of whom is my beautiful wife, the middle one. Also the history of the 139 year old olive tree which is commemorated in the name of the company that these women have created, “The Hundred 100 Year Old Olive Oil Company�. Allan Peachment
I took this photo when Ty and I went bike riding up near the CBH. It reminds me of when we first got the cameras and got to take them home. I like how one rock stands out and the rest are a blur, it makes a good background. Bradley Bennell
Top Photo - Allan Peachment; Bottom Photo - Rose Marie Flendt
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Top Photo - Sue Pike; Bottom Photo - Bradley Bennell
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Inside the church I found this beautiful window which tells a story about a church on the way to
Photo - Judy Williams
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Although the doors are closed I found it welcoming
Wandering. The church is no longer there and this
within.
window is a sort of memorial to it.
Cynthia Fuller
Cynthia Fuller
Left Photo - Cynthia Fuller; Right Photo - Cynthia Fuller
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“Old Kunjin Railway Bridge”. This image is about so many things – its not a great photo – but to me it represents so many things. Mostly it reminds me how much time has passed since political attitudes toward the Wheatbelt have changed. I imagine the time when this rail-line was built – when investment in rural infrastructure was seen as an investment in the future of WA and Australia. Now it seems like we have to fight for everything, and made to feel like we’re a drain on the budget – rather than a major contributor. On a more personal level – the rail line traverses our farm – I imagine previous generations when the land was resumed to build the railway – the crews camping out to build it. As our kids love exploring around the old tracks and culverts, I imagine previous generations of children running up to see the trains as they slowly climbed the hill. Our kids are the sixth generation on the property – there are so many things that are different but the same. Carina Whittington
Photo - Carina Whittington
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Photo - Malcolm Jetta
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Photo - Carina Whittington
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Top Photo - Cherie Abednego; Bottom Left Photo - Grace Merritt; Bottom Right Photo - Sue Bennell
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Mum making sandwiches for afternoon tea. It is all about feeding the family.
The storm is coming to Brookton. The
Cheryle Lee
storm caused major damage in Perth, crossed the ranges and headed inland and came towards us in Brookton at sunset. I like the contrast; to me it looks like it is really alive and moving. George Pitman
Top Photo - Cheryle Lee; Bottom Left Photo - Sue Pike; Bottom Right Photo - Lou Johnson
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Photo - George Pitman
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“TJ’s Tank”. This is the watering hole for thirsty golfers at Pingelly. It denotes
Being able to get down to our roots
the ‘rural-ness’ or ‘rustic-ness’ of Pingelly. I wonder how many locals would
of farming, in the sheep yards,
have taken refreshments there? I had the dogs running wild. It was raining.
barefoot, touching the sheep, being
Not much thought went into it – the dogs got away!
part of it all from an early age. ‘Where
Carolyn Shannon
else Farm’ in Brookton. Beryl Stephenson
Photo - Carolyn Shannon
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Photo - Beryl Stephenson
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“Tennis/kids”. While we may complain about being the kids taxi, much of our social life is catching up while the kids
The Storm. I heard the thunder so went to the end of
do sports. I really liked this image – not just of the kids enjoying their tennis, but its about summer Friday’s – end of
the street to photograph the storm; you could see this
the week, the kids are happy, it seems like half the school is up at tennis – siblings playing while they wait their turn;
huge black cloud moving across the edge of town. It
impromptu meetings are held – because everyone is there, it’s a drop off/pick-up time; Dad’s call in on their way
followed the hills and you could just imagine a space
home. The heat of the day leaves as we chat and then wander home.
ship coming out of it like on TV.
Carina Whittington
Jenny Windsor
Photo - Carina Whittington
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Photo - Jenny Windsor
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Monday morning doing the washing and the sun came out behind the clouds. It was a little boring
This is a gum tree at Puntapin Rock. I just took a picture,
so I ducked down behind the clothesline.
I like the angle.
Cheryle Lee
Xavier Cole
Photo - Cheryle Lee
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Photo - Xavier Cole
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“Shearing”. My sister and I
New life emerges after the storm, which ends our 4-month dry spell.
decided to go out to the family
Carolyn Shannon
farm to take some photos, they were shearing. I could not get over how my Dad had boots with no sox’s, he said he never wore sox’s in summer as they just got grass seeds in them and no one pulled them out. Jenny Windsor
Previous Page; Left Photo - Lou Johnson; Right Photo Rose Marie Flendt Photo - Jenny Windsor
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Top Photo - Carolyn Shannon; Bottom Photo - Carina Whittington
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My friends made this for my birthday. Beryl Baljeu
I like this photo because it reminds me of a time I got to spend with my nan. We were buying clothes for my graduation and I took this photo on the day of my dad’s anniversary of when he passed away. I like the way the light
Sewing is my out, my way to create; something
falls on my face, showing my bright side and my brown side.
that lasts more than a day.
Bradley Bennell
Cheryle Lee
Photo - Bradley Bennell
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Top Photo - Beryl Baljeu; Bottom Photo - Cheryle Lee
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“Relaxing at home with Toffie our dog”. She loves to have a belly rub and toes will do just fine. George Pitman
This is a park where I often take my three kids. We walk the dog at the oval and the kids are occupied on the playground while organising weddings and events at the community centre or at footy games. There’s not much else for the kids to do in Pingelly. Kristy Callow-Jetta
Photo - George Pitman
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Top Left Photo - Ross Storey; Top Right Photo - Jenai Collard; Bottom Photo - Kristy Callow-Jetta
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Old welfare building, now the office of law firm Bill Everett. This was the office where a lot of sad decisions were made back in the 60’s, 70’s and early 80’s. Children of Aboriginal families were taken from their loved ones and homes and placed in the care of the Government. But in the late 70’s to early 80’s a group of Noongar men got together and formed a committee, which saw the making of Kooraminning. Murray Riley
Kooraminning Centre was once an old Railways Hostel for workers. Then in the 70’s the building was handed over to the Narrogin Community, then Kooraminning was formed. Murray Riley
Entrance, Narrogin Reserve, Cuballing Road, Narrogin. This photo is the entrance to what was once the Reserve that housed lots of Noongar families which still reside in Narrogin. Murray Riley
Photo - Murray Riley
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Top Photo - Murray Riley; Bottom Photo - Murray Riley
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This is my hand and my cousin’s Hope, Laura
“My Daughter”. Nicola enjoys attending Best Start. We go every Monday – Wednesday and she can’t get enough of it.
and Emma’s hands. We hang out a lot! This
She enjoys the activities like riding the bikes and playing in the sandpit.
was taken at a church on a rock.
Cherie Abednego
Juwan Storey
Top Photo - Juwan Storey; Bottom Photo - Ross Storey
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Photo - Cherie Abednego
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This is my brother Jaydon at home. He was acting funny, making us laugh. It makes me think of the fun I have with my family. Sophie Williams
Photo - Sophie Williams
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Top Photo - Anne Goldsmith; Bottom Left Photo - Wolf Flendt; Bottom Right Photo - Beryl Baljeu
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This is the Shire President of the Shire of Brookton. He competed in Brookton’s second triathlon. The name of his team was ‘The President’s Men’. People who work for the Shire had a team called ‘The Uncivil Servants’. There was so much camaraderie. I like doing this sort of photo because it is a way to zoom in on a detail of the overall big picture of this community event. I like to look for abstract, pattern and texture. I like how you can see the water on his arm. The “5” is significant because that is the number of his team. Judy Williams
This is Bradley, my cousin at Miley Pool. I heard stories that my mum used to swim there. Bradley is the same age as me and he likes having his photo taken. I like his dark skin and his gelled hair against the background and the light on his nose. Brandon Bennell
This is my youngest brother Tyrone. His face is serious, he’s mostly serious. I thought it would be a good photo with the trees. He lives in Brookton with me, Bradley and our Nan. Brandon Bennell
Photo - Judy Williams
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Top Photo - Brandon Bennell; Bottom Photo - Brandon Bennell
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This is the Shearer’s Board in my shearing shed. I like the framing – circles in circles! It also shows a snapshot of the workplace and gives a sense of the working conditions. Sue and Des Pike
Photo - Sue and Des Pike; Right Hand Photo - Judy Williams
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It’s like a school motto. This is the way I’d like to be, and other people too. It’s all over the school, every single classroom. I think it makes a difference, there isn’t any more fights. This is Elly. She’s pulling a cute face. She comes and wakes me up every morning by licking my
Makisha Edgill
face. She likes to chase the crows; they eat our ducklings. She’s my friend. Max Brinkworth
“FLAG BEARERS” These children are from year 6. They were chosen as flag bearers for 2010. At the end of 2010 some more year 6 children will be chosen. Pam Williams
Top Photo - Breanna Brinkworth; Bottom Photo - Max Brinkworth
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Top Photo - Makisha Edgill; Middle Photo - Pam Williams; Bottom Photo - Pam Williams
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Top Photo - Carina Whittington; Bottom Left Photo - Sue Bennell; Bottom Middle Photo - Jaydon Winmar; Bottom Right Photo - Trudi Spratt
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“Grave with flowers”. The sun is shining on the Angel’s Garden. Maggies grave is
This is the street I live on. I have lived there for 14 or 15 years, and most of my family lives there. Sophie Williams
another of the big reasons we stay in Pingelly. She’s our miracle child and we visit her as often as we can. Sandra Johnson
Previous Page, Top Photo - Cheryle Lee; Bottom Photo - Carina Whittington Photo - Sandra Johnson
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Top Photo - Sophie Williams; Bottom Photo - Sue Bennell
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This photo was taken at Cuballing Park. All the blokes look happy to be sharing the BBQ cooking and they show the
Nicholas. He’s 2 turning 3. He’s funny and strong and he likes
proud stand of being a strong family. Family getting together at BBQ’s is a very passionate time for everyone. We joke
to hit us boys. In the background is a tree and he’s on the
we laugh and we catch up on things.
playground. He’s my youngest brother.
Cherie Abednego
Cedric Cole
Photo - Cherie Abednego
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Photo - Cedric Cole
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Left Photo - Lou Johnson Right Photo - Lou Johnson
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“Back Paddock End of the Road” –
Sunset after the storm.
Cravie Farm.
Another special sunset
Pat O’brien
we won’t see again. Tomorrow will see another. Pat O’brien
“Treasured Memories” – Leithdale Farm, Pingelly. Property purchased by Ron and Pat. Our first patch. Pat O’brien
Top Photo - Pat O’brien; Bottom Photo - Pat O’brien
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Photo - Pat O’brien
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Kitten playing hide and seek in the garden at
Left Photo - Cheryle Lee; Middle Photo - Malcom Jetta
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“Clover”. Passing
Edenvale. Many kittens have been given to homes
it onto the next
in the district making good mouse catchers and
generation.
companions.
Cheryle Lee
Sue and Des Pike
Photo - Sue and Des Pike
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“Tree tyre swing”. This one is an emotional one for me. The kids wanted to be in the shot – but I wanted one without them in it. I think a lot about sending our kids away to school – how precious the time is that we have with them,
Hope and Emma were having fun on the trampoline while
how our lives are centred around them, their activity, their noise. I love the noise now – imagining how quiet it will
Megan was taking the photo at Megan’s house. We took it
soon be. This swing is under their ‘fun tree’ with rope ladders and loads of climbing branches. This is where the kids
because it means we are having fun.
disappear to – they make up so many games around this tree and swing, so many adventures. Often it is toward
Megan Turvey
the end of the day, when the sun illuminates the leaves and makes the shadows that add to the mystery of the tree. Squeals float into the house. When I walk down past the tree to lock up the chooks, I see the tyre hanging still and quiet and I’m overwhelmed with that sense of upcoming loss. For now it is a happy shot – but it won’t always be. Carina Whittington
Photo - Carina Whittington
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Photo - Megan Turvey
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This is at the Pingelly cemetery. My mum and dad, brother, cousins, aunties and uncles and friends are there. I occasionally go to funerals there and sometimes put flowers on Mother’s and Father’s Days. It’s a scene of peacefulness within
Ruins of Larson’s handmade rock house at Nine Acre Rock. It is like looking at the view the pioneers would have enjoyed. It is reflective of the landscape and the history around Brookton and the hard work that went into building it. Miriam Wright
yourself, no hassles and your mind can be at peace. Janice Kickett
Photo - Janice Kickett
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Top Photo - Carina Whittington; Bottom Photo - Miriam Wright
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‘Fence’ it is the quality of light that I liked about this shot. Anyhow – we’re a really busy family, we’re active, our kids are active – life is full – and often home feels like a transit station – dropping off one lot of bags, picking up the next and heading off again. But there is usually this twilight time – like the eye of a storm – after the rush of the day, and before the final burst of dinner, baths, homework. It may only be 10 minutes – time to hand water a few plants, stock up the chooks, a quick game with the kids after unloading the car. This is the time when I feel grounded, in the moment, connected to family and place. This shot is of the fence leading home, when walking back up from the garden shed, in this magic twilight when everything sparkles and life is good. Carina Whittington
Photo - Carina Whittington
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Photo - Bradley Bennell
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My dear old Mum. Now 88 on a family picnic. Plenty to smile about. Anne Goldsmith
I chose this photo because a lot of Noongars went to this school and would relate to it. The Noongars helped build the foundations of the school. This is the second site, the first was at the Shire Depot. Sue Bennell
This is the Noongar church in Brookton, the Calvary Presbyterian Church. We’ve had a lot of weddings and funerals in this little church. Sue Bennell
Photo - Anne Goldsmith
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Top Photo - Sue Bennell; Bottom Photo - Sue Bennell
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Lake Norring. I liked the landscape at Lake Norring, and the curve of the
This is the garden hose at the back
beach. I kept trying to take a photo as the water came up, but it would always
door. The electric pump pumps water
flow back before I could take it.
from the tank to the garden. The big
Sophie Williams
tank is on the hill. Coral Hall
This is a regulator, which is pumping water from the tank into the chlorination plant. It is to do with the town water supply which is a vital part of our life. Coral Hall
Photo - Sophie Williams
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Top Photo - Coral Hall; Bottom Photo - Coral Hall
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Sunset. Sitting at home. Doug saw pink reflection on the shed and said I should take a photo of the sunset. We raced out the road so we could get the “Saddle back” hill.
“Bouganvillea”. Floating in the pond at my house.
Jenny Windsor
Noelene Olman
Photo - Jenny Windsor
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Photo - Noelene Olman
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v o i c e s o f t h e w h e at b e lt
There are photos of my husband,
This is my husband having a
Andy Collard who has been dead
meal break. I like it because
11 years, my nephew who has
it shows a typical farmer
been dead five years and photos
eating on the run, looking at
of my great-grannies, they live in
the business mail and all the
Melbourne so I don’t see them often.
weekly farm magazines and
Janet Collard
journals to catch up on the market trends, reports and research before he dashes out to the paddock again! Jan Eva
The panda is in my bedroom, I won it in the Albany show. I chose it as my prize. I went with my nan, my uncle and auntie and cousins. My nan was looking after me. Haylee Mead
Top Photo - Janet Collard; Bottom Photo - Haylee Mead
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Top Photo - Jan Eva; Bottom Photo - Kristy Lee Brinkworth
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v o i c e s o f t h e w h e at b e lt
This is my dad. He’s got a fly on his nose, at Puntapin Rock. He grew up there, played heaps of football, and was born there. He does sheep work. He takes me out to the bush hunting and stuff and we go out to chainsaw wood. Xavier Cole
Photo - Lou Johnson
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Photo - Xavier Cole
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v o i c e s o f t h e w h e at b e lt
This is my Grandfather, Ira Jetta. He is a well respected and well known Noongar Elder. This photo was taken at a family BBQ at Pioneer Park (Pingelly). I see pop often as I go to Perth a lot or he comes to Pingelly to see his family. Pop is a kind, generous and loving person who is loved by all his family. Malcolm Jetta
Photo - Malcolm Jetta
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Photo - Juwan Storey
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v o i c e s o f t h e w h e at b e lt
Top Left Photo - Lou Johnson; Top Right Photo - Grace Merritt; Bottom Left Photo - Haylee Mead; Bottom Right Photo - Tyrone Bennell
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Top Photo - Haylee Mead; Bottom Photo - Carina Whittington
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v o i c e s o f t h e w h e at b e lt
That’s one of my nan’s, an extended family sort of nan. I really adore her. She’s always nice and is a peaceful and relaxed old lady. She’s really gentle with everyone. I see her about every second day for a visit at her house. I go out It’s me, I look like a gangsta. That’s all.
for a visit after school.
Terry Jetta
Brandon Bennell
Photo - Terry Jetta
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Photo - Brandon Bennell
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v o i c e s o f t h e w h e at b e lt
“Reaching out to say goodbye”. My son and his wife were over from Queensland at Christmas time. This photo was taken as I was taking them to the airport. My grandson, Maui, is a gorgeous boy. Beryl Baljeu
Bales of wool awaiting transport to sale. Will this be the end of an era? Sue and Des Pike Top Left & Right Photos - Malcolm Jetta ; Bottom Photo - Beryl Baljeu
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Top Photo - Miriam Wright; Bottom Photo - Sue and Des Pike
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v o i c e s o f t h e w h e at b e lt
Most of the family barrack for the Eagles, I play footy but am not on a team cos I moved around. I dream of playing for them when I get older. Tyrone Bennell
I took this in broad daylight and I put the self timer on. I wore my black jumper and put my hood on. It’s like calming and relaxed to me. This is in our lounge room. Brandon Bennell
These are made of clay, my mum made them and painted them. They were a gift to my nana and pop. Mum lives in Mandurah, she visits me on weekends. Tyrone Bennell
Top Photo - Tyrone Bennell;
Photo - Brandon Bennell
Bottom Left & Right Photo - Tyrone Bennell
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v o i c e s o f t h e w h e at b e lt
This was taken at the corporate bowls day. A day where people who normally don’t play bowls are included. This It’s a bird on a power line called a
photo shows Charlie. He is gorgeous. He is so fun loving. He is my nephew’s son. You can see my nephew and his
parrot. It had all sorts of colours,
wife and her sister.
black, green, yellow and a blue
Judy Williams
background. I was standing out the front of my house. Haylee Mead
Top Photo - Haylee Mead; Bottom Photo - Juwan Storey
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Top Photo - Judy Williams; Bottom Left Photo - Cherie Abednego; Bottom Middle Photo - Theresa Sancote; Bottom Right Photo - Theresa Sancote
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I like this photo because it shows the humour and fun and serious competition involved in Brookton’s second
I like this photo because it captures a typical scene of how women get together to take care of all the catering needs
Triathlon, it was a ‘Virtual swim to Rotto’! My husband is ‘FIT’, Mark Gill is ‘FAT’ and Troy Baskett was pulled in
for community events. We enjoy teamwork and a few laughs and a few stresses, like food burning or not having
because he is ‘FAST’. These guys did serious training.
enough food!
Judy Williams
Jan Eva
Photo - Judy Williams
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Photo - Jan Eva
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v o i c e s o f t h e w h e at b e lt
This is a map of the countries around Wagin. I’ve been to Katanning, Narrogin, Dumbleyung Lake, Puntapin Rock, Collie, and Brookton. I really want to go to Wave Rock. My brother Jon teases me because he went there when he was little. Makisha Edgill
Top Photo - Pam Williams; Bottom Photo - Makisha Edgill
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Top Photo - Jan Eva; Bottom Left Photo - Sue Bennell; Bottom Right Photo - Sue Bennell
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This is a gnaama hole, the Aborigines used to catch water for drinking. It’s out on a farm in Brookton. The rocks were put there for the water to run down. Janet Collard
Top Left Photo - Janet Collard; Bottom Left Photo - Amanda Cook; Middle Photo - Rita Ugle
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Top Photo - Sue Bennell; Bottom Left Photo - Juwan Storey; Bottom Right Photo - Pam Williams
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v o i c e s o f t h e w h e at b e lt
This photo is of the ‘old’ Pumphries Bridge. This is a view of the Hotham River. The Pumphries Bridge area is where
I like this photo because it is a natural photo of my wife
Noongar families of the area first camped, hunted, gathered food, lived and worked. It is also where a lot of my uncles
Sandra at home. I caught her out, she normally hides
and aunties first learned to swim.
from the camera.
Malcolm Jetta
Mark Johnson
Photo - Malcolm Jetta
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Photo - Mark Johnson
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Photo - Tyrone Bennell
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Top Photo - Alice Wallam Bottom Photo - Alice Wallam
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My brother Jaleel with our nan Joan Hill. She isn’t related to us but we call her nan for respect and we love her just as if she was our own Nan. This is my Dad and brother in a cave at Bojanning. My Dad used to go there when he was a kid, and he used to go along a track that led to the dam with his friends when he was young. They rode their bikes on the track. When
Kaine Olman
they’d get to the dam they’d jump off their bikes into the water. Xavier Cole
Photo - Xavier Cole
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Photo - Kaine Olman
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Letter box and farm sign
Then there’s my family. My
entering our life
husband died when he was 51
Beryl Baljeu
years old, and one of my three sons died when he was 19 years old. It’s been very hard to cope with; people say I should leave the farm but I want to stay close to the memories. Beryl Baljeu
Our house and my special fence, which I asked my husband to build for me. He was very good to me, he was very generous. He was a wonderful husband; I couldn’t have got better. Beryl Baljeu
Top Photo - Beryl Baljeu; Bottom Photo - Beryl Baljeu
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Photo - Beryl Baljeu
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Photo - Terry Cole
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Photo - Cherie Abednego
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ACKNOWLED G E M ENTS Community Representatives
Narrogin
The Bus Drivers
Brookton Sue Bennell, Elder, for your generous participation in the first workshop and for sharing your experiences and cultural knowledge in the second workshop.
Murray Riley and others from the Kooraminning Centre for your support and contribution to the project.
Arthur Slater for showing us around Brookton and the Seabrook Farm.
Karen Keeley and Raylene Kickett from C.Y. O’Connor Tafe for your support and contribution to the project.
Daniel Turvey for showing us around Pingelly.
Janet Collard, Elder, for your support and contribution to the project.
Rosalba Butterworth and Erica Maguire from the Narrogin District Education Office.
Faye Slater Chairperson and the team at Seabrook Aboriginal Corporation for the use of your building, promoting the workshops and your generous participation.
Priscilla Kickett from KEEDAC Narrogin for your insights and assistance with promoting the workshops.
Susan Turner from the Brookton Old Time Motor Show for helping to organise our Brookton exhibition.
Pingelly Malcolm Jetta Chairperson of the Pingelly Aboriginal Progress Association for your participation, support and contribution to the project. Janice Kickett for your generous participation in the first workshop and for sharing your experiences and cultural knowledge in the second workshop. The team at the Pingelly Telecentre and Pingelly Times for warmly welcoming us and promoting our workshops. Voices of the Wheatbelt was made possible through the input and participation of many local and Perth based people who have generously lent their skills, creativity, time and commitment to this project. Our heartfelt thanks go out to:
The Artists Bo Wong from Metaphoto for your photography expertise and role in co-facilitating the photography workshops. Tiffany Ellis and the other facilitators from the Film and Television Institute (FTI) for your help developing and facilitating the filmmaking workshops. Sean Byford and Andrew Britton for your amazing installation services with our photographic exhibitions in each town.
Participants Thank you for generously sharing your story and experiences. May your Voices be heard from far and wide!
Dawn Box from the Pingelly Development Association for helping with our exhibition, which had pride of location at the Pingelly Market Day.
Wagin
Heidi Astbury from Careers on Track for your valuable insights and support.
Shire Representatives Carina Whittington and Gary Clark from the Shire of Brookton. Donna Cochran and Mick Oliver from the Shire of Pingelly. Mary Silverman, Mike Sully and Gary O’Neil from the Town of Narrogin. Geoff Mckeown from the Shire of Narrogin. Len Calneggia from the Shire of Wagin.
The Schools Brookton District High School. Pingelly Primary School. Narrogin Senior High School. Wagin District High School.
Merlene Mead, Elder, for your participation and generously allowing us to film your story.
Project Partners
Terry Cole for your participation and helping to promote the photography workshops to the Wagin Noongar community.
Daniel Balint and Graeme Sward from the Film and Television Institute for your support developing the filmmaking workshops.
Pam Williams, Elder and AEIO, Wagin District High School, for your support and contribution to the project.
Major Funding Partner
Robyn Willie Deputy Principal, Wagin District High School who put a lot of energy into making the workshops happen.
Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and special thanks to Uta Conway, for her ongoing support and advice.
Wendy Pedrick and Sally Thompson for assisting with our exhibition at the Wagin Woolarama.
Leonie Nicholls and the drivers from Nicholls Bus and Coach Services, for showing us around Narrogin. Arthur Pedrick for showing us around Wagin.
Sponsors Alf Rebola The Good Guys O’Connor for generously reducing the price of cameras, camera cases and memory cards. Anthony Pittaway, Paperlinks Australia for paper sponsorship.
The team at CAN WA The coordination of this project and the pulling together of this publication was without a doubt a team effort! Everyone in the organisation contributed in one way or another. We would particularly like to thank Andrea Hammond for the amazing heart and spirit you put into assisting establish the project; and Geri Hayden, Ross Storey and Sonia Kickett from the Southern Wheatbelt office, who provided so much on the ground support and played a pivotal role in this project. Special thanks goes to Michael Atkinson for pulling together this publication and coordinating the project. We would also like to acknowledge Nicola Davison who assisted with the coordination and facilitation of the photography workshops; Ivy Penny for sharing her wisdom and experiences gained from coordinating the first phase of the project; Rebecca Speidel for her assistance in managing the marketing and communications of the project and Pilar Kasat, CAN WA’s Managing Director for her continued support, leadership and creative thinking throughout the evolution of this project. There are many people we have not individually mentioned but please let us acknowledge that this project would not have been possible without the generous support of people who are very committed to seeing their community thrive and celebrate its local identity.
Bev & Brian at Buckingham’s Bed and Breakfast for making our stay in Wagin warm and tasty.
Photo - Lou Johnson
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PARTICIPANTS FILMMAKING
PHOTOGRAPHY
Brookton
Brookton
Pingelly
Narrogin
Wagin
Arthur Slater
Amanda Cook
Alan Peachment
Cherie Abednego
Alice Wallam
George Maguire
Arthur Slater
Anne Goldsmith
Gillian Riley
Brodie Wallam
Geri Hayden
Beryl Stephenson
Beryl Baljeu
Grace Merritt
Cedric Cole
Bradley Bennell
Carolyn Shannon
Juwan Storey
Elvie Wallam
Brandon Bennell
Cheryle Lee
Kaine Riley
Hannah George
Breanna Brinkworth
Cynthia Fuller
Megan Turvey
Haylee Mead
Carina Whittington
Daniel Turvey
Murray Riley
Jack Cole
Chermia Cook
Donna Humphreys
Noelene Olman
James Mead
Coral Hall
James Matthews
Rita Ugle
Jason Winmar
Des Pike
Janice Kickett
Ross Storey
Jaydon Winmar
Drew Whittington
Jenny Windsor
Senema Kickett
Jeffery Turvey
George Pitman
Kieth Boyce
Sonia Kickett
Makisha Edgill
Hallee Collard
Kristy Callow-Jetta
Pam Williams
Jan Eva
Lisa Boyce
Renee Spratt
Janet Collard
Lou Johnson
Roseshai Ugle
Jenai Collard
Malcolm Jetta
Sharon Williams
Judy Williams
Matthew Wallam
Sophie Williams
Kristy Lee Brinkworth
Pat O’brien
Terry Cole
Maddison Collard
Roberta Kickett
Terry Jetta
Wagin
Max Brinkworth
Rose Marie Flendt
Trudi Spratt
Brodie Wallam
Meg Whittington
Sandra Johnson
Tyrone Cole
Cedric Cole
Miriam Wright
Tiara Jetta
Xavier Cole
Haylee Mead
Phil Collard
Violet Winmar
Merlene Mead
Phoebe Collard
Wolf Flendt
Renee Unghango
Shane Cook
Terry Cole
Sue Bennell
Tyrone Cole
Sue Pike
Wilfred Williams
Theresa Sancote
Xavier Cole
Tyrone Bennell
Narrogin Betty Ugle Dianne Culbong Hannah Cupples Kaine Riley Kamiesha Thorne Kellie Hancock Marina Abraham Noelene Olman Revel Kickett Ross Storey Sian Ugle Tasmyn Olman Juwan Storey Kyle Mead
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR PARTICIPANTS
Photos of filmmaking workshops courtesy CAN WA.
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voices of the w h e at b e lt OUR PLACE, OUR STORIES Community Arts Network WA Community Arts Network Western Australia Ltd. is the peak body for community arts and cultural development in Western Australia. Our vision is for a future where culture, creativity and the arts are known to be essential for community wellbeing and are at the core of a just, diverse and resilient society. We are inspired by the values of cultural diversity and creativity, respect of all people, culture and the environment, social justice, creativity and resilience. Our role is to inspire and mobilise Western Australian communities to explore, express and grow their unique and local culture; facilitate and promote participation and engagement in community arts and cultural development for community wellbeing; actively engage in partnership development to facilitate and support community-determined arts and culture activities and promote the value of cultural diversity and creativity. www.canwa.com.au www.voices.canwa.com.au
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