Christine’s Selfie with Senior Laurie Bayamawarrnga
Laurie Bayamawarrnga is a Yolngu woman from East Arnhem Land, having spent most of her life on her mother’s and grandmother’s country in the Crocodile Islands.
Due to health reasons, she has relocated to the outer suburbs of Darwin. Laurie learned the art of basket weaving from her grandmother and mother at a young age and has since become a skilled weaver and custodian of important cultural knowledge.
Over the years, she has shared her weaving expertise with school children and tourists and collaborated with me as a cultural facilitator, supporting children in out-of-home care.
Our bush program received the ‘Outstanding Community Engagement’ award at the NT Education and Care Awards.
Our professional relationship has blossomed into a deep friendship. Laurie has kindly described my connection to her and her family in this way: “you are our family now, I respect and trust you”.
I too have great respect for Laurie and admire her resilience. She has inspired my passion to advocate for social justice and human rights.
Selfie with a Senior sponsored by COTA NT and NT Seniors Card.
