Concept Models An Iterative Process: Capturing Moments The Project At This Point Schema Women’s Community + Housing The Space In Between Women’s Wellness + Knowledge Hub, Administration Hub and Community Exchange Women’s Wellness + Knowledge Hub Administration Hub Community Exchange New Design Considerations Weaving + Yarning

W E A V I N G + Y A R N I N G

In collaboration with Aleisha Lonsdale (MLALC and Arts Out West), we ran a Weaving and Yarning session at the Mudgee Arts Precinct, to gather insight from women in the community, regarding the struggles encountered living regionally. The session was open to all and welcomed a diverse group of women to gather, weave and yarn over their experiences, stories and struggles.

Most of the women did not know one another at all or well, however between the laughter, silence and murmurs, they began to open up about their experiences. Amongst the group there were many similarities in stories and these became points in which people bounced to and from, using the Space In Between as a place of familiarity and security.

Discussion around access to services in the area became politically charged from the onset. All of the women agreed that access to services in Mudgee, for women and children are dire, especially the housing crisis. There is extremely limited social housing within the area and previous lobbying to see an increase in the typology has been unsuccessful. “The situation is only going to get worst when they (governments/councils) are not investing in it (services).” - Weaving and Yarning participant.

“...in a particular community like Mudgee, if we support people to stay, then they go on to contribute in whatever way they do, wherever their strengths lie.”-

Weaving and Yarning participant.

More often than not, the conversation in regional communities regarding social housing is met with excessive financial bureaucracy. What many governing bodies fail to understand is that supporting individuals and families in times of need, there is long term economic and social gain; unfortunately, financial profit is where the priorities lie for many of those in power.

When speaking of the project, the Women’s Community + Housing, Women’s Wellness + Knowledge Hub and the Community Exchange, the women from the group were interested, invested and supportive of the principles and concepts. “If this place could become a real place, it would do this community wonders.” - Weaving and Yarning participant.

“Once you are able to take yourself to that place, you are doing a lot. It is a first

step.”- Weaving and Yarning participant.