Igniting Change with Children’s Ground in Alice Springs
Building longterm relationships, giving people a voice, supporting people to do things their way…Igniting Change is so privileged to be able to do this work! Recently we visited some of the projects we have supported in Alice Springs for over a decade with a diverse group of people. Some knew the organisations we were visiting, and for others, it was the first time they’d really spent time with indigenous Australians. The thing we had in common was curiosity, and a real desire to know more about the oldest living culture in the world. What we learned both inspired and humbled us…
Special thanks to MK Turner, William Tilmouth, Bill Pheasant and the rest of the teams at Akeyulerre and Children’s Ground.
Jane Vadiveloo worked in Alice Springs for 20 years and has a deep understanding of the issues faced by Aboriginal people in several communities in the region. She was our guide for the four days, and gently showed us how the ability and vision of First Nations families often gets lost underneath the struggle for survival in a system that responds to a ‘problem’ rather than a person. On top of this, people are often fearful or lacking confidence and many face language and cultural barriers. In communities like this, the impact on children and families is devastating.
Children’s Ground is an approach led by Aboriginal people, supporting their own aspirations with a 25-year vision: to walk with the next generation of children in First Nations communities so they will know their land, language, culture and identity, enjoy health and wellbeing and have the skills for success on their country and in the world. Jane says:
“My overwhelming experience is that these communities are filled with people of intelligence, inspiration, aspiration and vision. The solution lies in backing their abilities, listening to them and trusting their solutions.”
Photos and reflections from this special visit follow.
We visited Akeyulerre, the Aboriginal Healing Centre that was the starting point for Children’s Ground.
Rachael Trainor helps prepare bush medicine: “At Akeyulerre, the…rich heritage of our bush medicines and remedies was intriguing. Sitting on the tarpaulin in the sun with the elders, crushing local leaves into a paste that will be used for healing was another pinch-yourself moment. I bought many of these traditional Bush Rubs home with me and they keep me feeling very connected to the land and the ladies that we sat with on that day.”
Tessa English,Trustee of the English Foundation, reflects on Children’s Ground, which she has known about from the early days: “Children's Ground was a thought, a seed, that was hard for me to envisage. A brave audacious and optimistic goal - and 3 years later there is a thriving busy happy community that is engaging so many families in Jabiru and living out that same audacious plan. Talking with the elders it feels that we are on the cusp of losing this fantastic 40,000+ years of culture, stories and beliefs, and that without a vision of what Jane is trying to create it will be lost forever. It is her simple sensible approach, where everyone feels safe and respected, that includes the whole family and community in the development of each child that makes me feel that Jane, Bill and her team know the best way forward.”
Wendy Bonnici: “It is inspiring to see grandmothers continue to peacefully fight for a better future for their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.”
Nic Brunner: “The experience certainly brought new perception and sort of understanding to their and our world. And the way we judge the world’s oldest peoples … because they don't fly to outer space and build new computers they’re lesser people? Life changing.”
Richard Earl, Chairman, Talent International: “We headed to the remote area Corkwood Bore 70kms out of town to hang out with local families, play sport and enjoy a glorious sunset as we sat around the camp fire intently listening to the grandmothers talk of their desire for their grandchildren to have a better life, by teaching through Aboriginal culture and values with family. They want to get away from the problems of town and return to a simpler and more traditional way of life.
Australia has much to be proud of. However, the needs and rights of many indigenous Australians are still overlooked and we must take responsibility. We must not blame history or the past. We must own the problem today and get involved!
…Children's Ground is evidence that purpose equals positive outcomes and a sustainable existence and drives an agenda for basic human rights, respect and a future for the next generation…
We are part of the Land. The Land is us, and we are the Land. That’s how we hold our Land.”
Susan Carton describes a visit to a Town Camp outside Alice Springs: “We started at a ghost camp consisting of about 8-10 tin shacks with only 2 remaining inhabitants, the rest of family and friends driven away due to lack of amenities that we take for granted. Water, electricity and sewer lines stopped a stone's throw away from the camp…
We were honoured by these people who allowed us into their safe places. The elders are heroic in their attempts to keep their culture, language and a life style which is good for their people. Throughout the entire journey we met people who are kind, generous and so willing to share if only we listen. The Aboriginal people are facing unbelievable hardship, abuse and contempt daily because they want to retain their culture, their language and their place in this world.
My eyes and heart have been opened.”
Rachael Trainor: “I understand the intense yearning for the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of these elders to be proud of who they are and their rich history. The elders want them to belong to first in country and then to understand and succeed in the white world. The desire is for their families to belong in both words but first, their own identity and sense of belonging must be established. From this solid foundation, individuals can then equip themselves with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in the global world. I will never forget the words of Ray that were captured in the book I read at Yarrenyty Altere Arts Centre. They resonate with me daily and have forever changed the way I think about our country:
‘If we go slowly, white man can understand and catch up.’
It is time we caught up.”
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Gill Bird: “For all of us it was an opportunity to listen and learn about the journey of Australia’s first people, and to understand what it means to them be aboriginal. At every stop we were shown how the old culture is so important to the growing children, and how there is a real need to preserve the connection to the land and provide the children with an identity to be proud of.”
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Jane Vadiveloo reflects on her journey with Igniting Change: “My journey with Igniting Change has been one that is about connecting people – feeling, knowing, learning, understanding, respecting, building bridges - one that demands that everyone sit as equals - where the people who you have introduced me to over the years are overwhelmingly deep feelers, committed – without ego…not looking for a report, not looking for self-interest or self-promotion, not asking us or aboriginal people to justify, but wanting to learn. What you have created is an amazing, rare thing.”
…And the last word goes to Nadine McKintosh from a poem she wrote after the visit:
“This is about human rights, and never giving up the fight. These people have an indelible right, to live their lives as they like. No-one has, tried and dared, to help as much as the Jane Squared.”