Wendy's adventures

Wow, it has been a big two weeks in Fitzroy Crossing with community events.

We took the children to the march against FASD. It is a community event with the aim to create awareness and eliminate Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

We also took the children to the skutta bloke event at the school to celebrate awesome men. The school puts on terrific community events with food and activities for children and families.

We also had Baya Gawys 13th Birthday which coincided with the release of the song book; Buga Yanu Junba-songs for young children, which was created through a research project with Gillian Howell (Uni Melb) and Tura music (funnily I went to primary school with Gillian) and our local woman and children from Baya Gawyi. You can find the songs and animations on Tura’s website and you can also listen on youtube or spotify. I recommend a look, singing is such an awesome way to keep language alive and tell a story. https://tura.com.au/projects/buga-yanu-junba#kapiwarnti-palu-nguniny-martuwarrarla

Baya Gawyi where I have been teaching for the last four months, is managed by Marninwarntikura which is an Aboriginal run organization, it has developed beautiful two way learning. Baya Gawyi means Whip Ray in Bunuba language and sits on Bunuba land. It is a safe space for children and families and runs from a trauma informed child centric space. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work here amongst amazing educators and cultural language tutors. They have to adapt to most staff staying for only 3 months stints and are so adaptable, flexible and welcoming. It is really hard to get long term staff in remote communities with challenges such as housing and medical care. Doctors usually stay for only 2 weeks which is challenging for continuity of care, and most nurses stay for a couple of months as they travel around Australia. The community is so resilient with many adversities such as floods, fires, expensive food to name a few. The people here and the natural beauty however are awe-inspiring.

Last night at the Lodge (the only place to eat, drink and socialise or stay in town) had an Okotberfest which was fun. Trivia and singing. A lovely last hurrah.

Today for my last Sunday here, I took my new friend-Bo, or Bodie (for Boab tree) down to the river for a swim. He is a 5 month old rescue dog. Hope he and Douggie my Melbourne Chihuahua and Kai’s dog Ollie get along- and they can teach him some manners.

My last day here is Tuesday. I will share any adventures I may have on the way home with you. Rob is flying in to Broome to meet Bodie and me and drive us part the way home. Its a 5 hour drive for Bodie and I to Broome-so far anytime I have to take him in the car he has a little vomit ahh. Then I am going to fly Perth to Melbourne as I have an appointment and won’t make it on time. Goodluck to Rob with Bodie on a Nullabore crossing 🙂