Supporting local Aboriginal women’s group
Donation of arts and crafts supplies by the Stephenson Avenue Extension Project team leads to empowerment and a sense of belonging for Aboriginal women in the community.
Published: 06 January 2025, Updated: 06 January 2025
S2M Evolution Alliance team members working on the Main Roads Stephenson Avenue Extension Project in Perth recently connected with the local Wadjuk Northside Aboriginal Community Centre by supporting their weekly women’s group through the donation of arts and crafts supplies.
The Dardy Yorga’s Program supports the mental health and wellbeing of local Aboriginal women by offering a safe place where they can get together and yarn while participating in arts and crafts activities. The group meets every Tuesday from 10am to 1.30pm and participate in a variety of activities including painting, pottery, drawing, knitting, and jewellery making.
Program Coordinator Annette Dickie said that after a similar program she was attending ceased due to a withdrawal in funding, she approached the Wadjuk Centre to ask if she could run the program from there. She said it is important for Aboriginal women to feel empowered and have a sense of belonging. “For many of the women, the Dardy Yorga’s Program is their main social activity for the week.”
S2M Evolution Alliance Aboriginal Participation Manager Jade Bradford said “The Dardy Yorga’s program and other programs run by the Wadjuk Centre are critical towards supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our mob. Annette has worked so hard to keep it running and there is often little to no funding available for programs such as this one. As a project, a donation of arts and crafts supplies was a small gesture we could offer to contribute towards this meaningful community initiative.”
Learn about the stories and artists behind the art pieces across WA’s road network here.
