EXTENDING the hand of friendship, the region’s indigenous women have formed a new support group encompassing all ages.
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The Warrumyea Women’s Group was formed last month and came together yesterday to commemorate National Sorry Day and celebrate indigenous achievement.
Group member Tracy Roach said the group name roughly translated as “left-handed women,” a light-hearted moniker for an organisation that covered social and cultural activities.
“We’ve held a few meetings now and we cover a lot of ground during the time we get together,” Ms Roach said.
“There’s more than 20 members already and we’re encouraging the young girls to get involved.
“It’s great to see the younger generation proud about their heritage and wanting to be part of the community.”
A symbolic tree was displayed at the Gunditjmara Aboriginal Co-op building yesterday with the native plant decorated by paper hands created by Warrnambool Primary School pupils.
Group member Anita McKenzie said the tree was part of a century-old plantation and symbolised the Gunditjmara people’s connection to their country.
“The tree comes from the Woodford area, which is in the heart of Gunditjmara country,” Ms McKenzie said. “The wire around the middle of the tree symbolises the history of white oppression while the branches show that growth and healing of the community.”
National Sorry Day was first commemorated in 1997, recognising the tabling of the Bringing Them Home report in the Federal Parliament.
Former prime minister Kevin Rudd made a public apology to the Stolen Generation in February 2008.