COOTAMUNDRA ABORIGINAL GIRLS HOME CENTENARY COMMEMORATION

 

Cootamundra Aboriginal Girls Home Centenary Commemoration 1912 – 2012

 

An event of major significance to the Aboriginal people and history of NSW will take place in Cootamundra this weekend.

 

Aunty Isabel Reid, a former resident of the Aboriginal Girl’s home at Cootamundra said that;

 “Over the weekend of Friday 10th August to Sunday 12th August, the centenary of the opening of the Cootamundra Aboriginal Girls Home will be commemorated. Many of us former Home girls will be making the journey back to the home and each of us will be travelling for different reasons. For some of us it will be an opportunity to see old friends and family and relive some of the “good” memories we had. For others it will be an unhappy trip down memory lane thinking of the years that were taken from us; years we didn’t get to spend with our families and for some us we are yet to find our families.

 

We can’t change what has happened but we need to acknowledge that time in history and not sweep it under the carpet. This event is important for a couple of reasons because we must always remember the decision of the Government to take Aboriginal children from their families. We must also acknowledge the horrific damage this has done to Aboriginal families over generations and the continual impact it has today. Coming back is bitter sweet, but we need to do this because if we don’t then how could we possibly keep the spirit alive of our brothers and sisters who never made it home? “

 

The Cootamundra Girls Home Centenary has been designed and driven by the former Girls themselves in collaboration with the Cootamundra community and an advisory committee. The event aims to sensitively address the trauma and dislocation caused by past policies and practices.

 

Over three days, former Girls from the Home and their families have the opportunity to look back in time and heal some of the past hurts, as part of the Stolen Generations and their families.  The Cootamundra and wider communities are invited to come and also have the opportunity to learn about our shared Australian History.

 

Program of events:

Art Exhibition Opening featuring the works of Wiradjuri Artist, Fay Clayton. Fay, a former Home Girl, has created a powerful visual interpretation through her paintings and associated art work. Curated by Melanie Evans.

When: Friday 10 August, 6 pm – 8pm                                                            

Where: Cootamundra Arts Centre

 

Book Launch featuring Peter Kabaila's latest book, ‘Home Girls’ on the history and the experiences of former Home residents.

When: Saturday 11 August, 10 am - 11.30am                                               

Where: Cootamundra Arts Centre

 

Official Commemoration Ceremony

When: Saturday 11 August, 1:30pm – 4pm                                               

Where: Cootamundra Town Hall

 

Community Breakfast

When: Sunday 12 August, 8am – 12pm                                                           

Where: Cootamundra Public School

 

Bimbadeen (Former Girls Home) and the Cootamundra Arts Centre will be open from 9am – 5.30pm on Saturday and Sunday.