Community Connections

Excerpts from the Tears of Joy, Tears of Frustration Exhibition for International Women's Day 2006

"The best of Aboriginal mothers is our strength and humour, strength from our ancestors, our elders, our culture."

"In Indigenous culture, women are at the centre of the family and the centre of the community. I was brought up by very strong Aboriginal women as leaders. Aboriginal women are the backbone of the country."

"The earth is our mother, the earth is everyone's mother. You have to respect the earth, to nurture and sustain it, remember that you're connected to it, remember your connections and where you are from."

"My people are Wemba-Wemba/Gunditjmara. It's about your land. I grew up in Echuca on the Yorta-Yorta land. Now I live and work on Wurundjeri lands in the Kulin Nations. You have to know where you are from to remember who you are and how you are related to people." Mothers from the Indigenous Parents Playgroup

"In my community mothers' group, I was one of 11 mothers, and I experienced nothing but warmth and connection."

"All of our families are happy to have access to the services and each other's support. There's services out there... "

"There's probably a lot of women having children who are having sexuality issues. They need to know there's support out there." Mothers from the Western Area Lesbian Littlies and Infants Playgroup

"At the centre is me. Multi-layered and strong as we all are. The circles on the outside represent the different communities that I am connected to. The land markings show that we are on Aboriginal land." Paola, the Indigenous Parents Playgroup

Women's Health West

Community Connections

Excerpts from the Tears of Joy, Tears of Frustration Exhibition for International Women's Day 2006