25
Dubbo Photo News September 20-26, 2018
GROUP
Circle of friendship for Walan Wirringah N
Ladies of the Walan Wirringah group standing amongst some of their garden plots in which they grow produce. All of the ‘structures’, such as the scarecrows, are made from recycled materials and about 30 tonnes of dirt has been donated from various landscaping projects around town. The group also made the totem poles, which can be seen in the background, and some of the larger ones took about 40 hours of work each to do the mosaic. PHOTO: DARCEE NIXON
By NATALIE HOLMES SWAPPING gardening tips, billy-boiled tea and friendly chatter is just the beginning for the Walan Wirringah Women’s Group who share a unique circle of friendship. Based at their community garden in Macquarie St, the ladies have a safe and respectful place to meet, to receive support and guidance and learn from each other’s experiences. The garden itself features an array of healthy plants, including home-grown vegetables, children’s play area and works of art such as mosaic totem poles and a beautiful mural which depicts their logo. They even have a mascot, Ruby the dog. “Walan Wirringah means 'strong women' in Wiradjuri,” Kelly Robertson told Dubbo Photo News. She is one of the group’s organisers and has been involved since its inception 18 months ago. “It was established in March 2017 and has been meeting on a weekly basis since that time,” she explains. “It was created for local women from all walks of life to promote good health and wellbeing, to help the women become more empowered and build each other up to inspire positive change within themselves, their families and our
community. “It also helps them to identify and learn what supports exist in our community and how they can value add to their lives.” When the group started, the space was a neglected patch of ground. Now, much like the Walan women themselves, with a little care and attention it has flourished. “The opportunity cropped up
for our group to get it back to a functioning and flourishing community garden,” Mrs Robertson said. “The Walan Wirringah took on the work for this beautification project. Since that time, we have also established partnerships with other community groups and school groups to see if they could be part of it.” This aspect of the group is prov-
ing to be fruitful, with successful pairings with a number of local schools and organisations. “The idea was to create a group for all women, to support and empower them and to give them a social outlet to build each other up and to learn new skills. “We’ve now got a huge spectrum – from children as young as three to ladies in their 80s who come down here.”
Being multi-generational means that the women can pass on their knowledge. “We are also about health, lifestyle, positive parenting and growing our produce.” Mrs Robertson said there is also a strong emphasis on reusing everything possible in the garden. “We pride ourselves on our sustainable methods of gardening and recycling and upcycling resources that would otherwise find their way to landfill. All of the structures featured in our garden have been created from donated bits and bobs from generous, community-minded businesses and members from within the Dubbo community.” Mrs Robertson said the community garden has truly created a haven for the women of Walan Wirringah. “It’s so much more than a garden. It’s a safe and wonderful place free from judgement.”