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Noongar Workers Share Untold Stories

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Aboriginal NRM

Noongar men, women and children who cleared the land, worked the farms and helped develop the Shire of Quairading have had their contribution recognised in a new publication produced by Community Arts Network (CAN). The NGALA MIA. NGALA BOODJAR (MY HOME. MY LAND) CD/DVD is a compilation of stories, short films and photographs collected during an Eastern Wheatlbelt oral history project.

The project was supported by many local farmers who came along to share their memories of employing Aboriginal people to work their land, tend livestock or shear sheep. These workers contributed to WA’s rural development yet their story is rarely told in Australian agricultural history. This project provides an avenue for those voices to be heard.

The launch will give the community the chance to especially honour four project participants who sadly passed away during the production of the CD/DVD. “This is a project about healing and reconciliation. It was initiated by my Dad, Wayne Yarran,” said project coordinator Yolande Yarran-Ward. “He passed away suddenly last year. Not long after, we lost two other much-loved community members, Peter Colbung Snr, and Byron Pickett. Then, two months ago, centenarian, Jack Wilson passed away. This launch will give us all a chance to come together to celebrate the contribution they made to our community.”

NGALA MIA NGALA BOODJAR contains an audio documentary produced by oral historian Bill Bunbury OAM and a series of short films produced by North Metropolitan TAFE film students.

For further information, contact Michelle White at CANWA on (08) 9226 2422 or via email michelle@canwa.com.au