The Winyarr’s (meaning ‘women’s’ in Yorta Yorta) weaving circle started this month at the Point of Difference Studio in Mooroopna, partnering with local First Nations artists to create a community of women from all backgrounds to weave together.
It is a chance for women every monday to learn the ancient art of weaving, and also to understand more about First Nations culture and issues.
Yorta Yorta woman and artist Tammy-Lee Atkinson started weaving five years ago, learning an art that is thousands of years old in First Nations culture.
She decided she wanted to pass on her love for weaving and share it with people, regardless of their level of experience.
“It started off with a small circle, only maybe three or four people, and I decided to open up to all women ... It gives the opportunity for all women to just come together and connect through something from First Nations traditional practice,” she said.
"Basically having a night away from the household; away from parents, kids, partners, everything,” she said with a laugh.
Ms Atkinson said the weaving circle gave women the “power of voice” and allowed them to share a “therapeutic activity”.
“When women come together, we have the opportunity to talk about things that we don't get to talk about,” she said.
Julie Gilchrist came with her daughter to not only spend time together, but to understand more about First Nations culture.
“I think there has been a lot of misinformation about Aboriginal people, but I think rather than hear about it I’d rather talk to the people and learn from the people,” she said.
“It's a wonderful, relaxing thing to do, and you end up with a product afterwards.”
Leaisa Pele said weaving had highlighted similarities between First Nations culture and her Samoan culture.
“I wanted to learn how to do the weaving in a different culture, because I am very passionate about learning new things, and especially with cultural stuff,” she said.
“It's quite fascinating, because even though we’re different, we have similar beliefs, and also values.”
She said it was a space of “unity” for women from different backgrounds, particularly as she was usually “surrounded by men” at home.
“I have four boys, and a husband, I'm practically alone by myself at home, so this is a really great opportunity for me, not only to come out of my house, but also to meet and make new friends with some of the ladies here,” Ms Pele said.
Yorta Yorta woman Suzanne Atkinson, the mother of Tammy-Lee, said weaving provided the chance to understand a “revived” art, for a culture that had been “denied”.
“Our people were prevented from learning the culture or teaching it ... but it’s a big thing, it's an art now, and it's celebrated all over Australia,” she said.
“Even though we're open to all women, it's really good to hear that they're willing to come along and learn, and to respect that culture.”