Wathaurong Way
Sarah MANSFIELD (Western Victoria) (09:45): Nothing about us without us, respect goes both ways, what we do matters – these are three powerful messages that have been resonating with me since I attended Wathaurong cooperative’s campaign launch last week of the Wathaurong Way. Wathaurong Way is a celebration of culture and community. It acknowledges the spaces the corporation has held for First Nations people since 1978 as the largest organisation of its kind in Victoria. Wathaurong has been operating across greater Geelong, the Bellarine and Colac for 45 years. They provide fundamental healthcare services to the community, create spaces for kids to grow up proud in culture at the Milla Milla Playgroup, build connections to country for young people in out-of-home care and provide a vital place for social and cultural connection for First Nations people.
The Wathaurong Way campaign originated as an answer from staff on how to address racism. Instead, staff and community sought to flip the narrative: what is it that makes us so strong? The answer came in four words: courage, accountability, respect, engagement. Their powerful campaign brings together the values and messages that will advance their ongoing work to build strong communities, strong culture and strong country and proudly share that with the wider community. Nyatne – thank you – for inviting us to be part of the campaign launch, and globata – take care.