Living Cultures
Stories and connection at inaugural Living Cultures Storytelling Session
Stories, questions and conversation filled the Paraburdoo Library on Thursday, as community members came together for the inaugural Living Cultures Storytelling Session.
The morning began with local pre-primary students gathering to hear from the session’s featured storyteller, Estelle Ingie.
Estelle spoke with the children about the importance of storytelling, including Dreamtime stories, and the importance of respecting and caring for Country.
During the session, Bandu joined Estelle in the conversation and shared some of his own knowledge with the children. He reminded them about being quiet and respectful when visiting Country, including not “singing out”.
Estelle also spoke about respecting what belongs on Country and encouraged the children to leave things where they find them, taking their memories with them rather than taking things such as rocks home.
The children then had the opportunity to ask questions, creating a warm and engaging exchange.
After the students returned to school, the storytelling continued with members of the wider Paraburdoo community, including Shire of Ashburton staff and Shire President Audra Smith.
Stories were shared, questions were asked and conversations continued about Yinhawangka Country, culture and the history of the area.
“Everyone living on Yinhawangka Country today is now part of its continuing story.”
A strong message shared by Estelle throughout the session.
Estelle spoke about the importance of understanding and respecting the Country we share, and the responsibility we all have to look after it.
Conversations continue at Open Door
From the library, the conversations continued at the Living Cultures Open Door Session, where the group was joined by Shire of Ashburton CEO Keith Woodward and other members of the Paraburdoo community.
The Open Door Session provided another opportunity for people to sit together, ask questions, share stories and connect with the Living Cultures team.
Across both sessions, there was a real sense of warmth and curiosity, with people keen to listen, learn and contribute to the conversation.
Together, the two sessions demonstrated the value of creating welcoming spaces where Yinhawangka People and the wider community can come together, build relationships and share knowledge and stories.
More storytelling to come
The inaugural Storytelling Session is just the beginning, with the next two storytellers already lined up for future sessions.