Uniting AgeWell’s Director of Mission, Rev Clare Brockett in acknowledging the purpose of NAIDOC week, to celebrate the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people says, “Uniting AgeWell is re-affirming our commitment to walking together with First Nations people through ongoing dialogue that is also evidenced in our actions.  Our staff are learning and growing in their knowledge and reaching into their local communities to more effectively partner with local Aboriginal people.” 

She adds,” As part of our development of our Reconciliation Action Plan we are also considering our footprint on country and how our built environments respect, respond to and reflect our local communities.” 

The new wing at Uniting AgeWell Rosetta Community Strathaven which opened earlier this year and not only showcases Aboriginal culture but pays homage to the cultural significance of the area. 

“The design brings the outside inside,” explains the Residential Service Manager Denise Hallam.  “With a 180 degree-view of the waterfront and Makalina Rruni (Frying Pan Island) in Berriedale Bay, the soft furnishings have been chosen to honour the natural beauty as well as the fauna and flora of the area.” 

The island is an Aboriginal midden (archaeological) site that is listed on the Tasmanian Aboriginal Site index.  The Glenorchy Reconciliation Group has been working to keep the island free from ongoing erosion and noxious weeds to ensure it continues to remain a heritage site.  Strathaven residents and the community enjoy walks out to iconic island, which is a haven for bird life. 

The design of the new wing incorporates the more inclusive ‘family’ module of four smaller ‘houses’ within the wing each comprising 13 bedrooms, kitchenettes, dining and living areas.  These too are named after bays in the area – Connewarre, Lowestoft, Berriedale and Montrose. 

The soft furnishings of the new wing in particular pay tribute to First Nations People.  The fabric for the furnishings and wall covering designs are by the late Walmajarri Aboriginal artist Jimmy Pike, who was born in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.  He was inspired by flora and fauna that were unique to his Australian desert life. 

Denise says the chandelier in the foyer is not a static fixture.  It moves and in so doing aims to replicate the waves and the natural surroundings.  The coffee tables are also organically shaped. 

“People love the design, it’s positive, a very beautiful space that is light, bright and welcoming,” she explains.  “There is something beautiful to look at wherever you are.” 

Denise worked closely with Infrastructure Project Officer Angelina Penaluna, who was pivotal in securing incredible Aboriginal artwork for the site.  

“The artworks were selected to express the indigenous connection with the land and to visually communicate Uniting AgeWell’s commitment to building strong relationships with indigenous communities wherever they may be,” says Angelina.  “The artworks reflect the diversity of the Australian population and the importance of indigenous culture to the past and future of our nation.” 

The works include: 

• Marie Ryder Pengarte – Women on Walkabout 

• Louise Numina Napanangka – Emu Dreaming 

• Tanya Price Nangala – Wild Bush Food Dreaming 

• Shirley Kaiditja & Geraldine Riley Napangardi – Collaboration: Bush Flowers 

• Nellie Marks Nakamarra – My Country – Traveling Women 

Earlier this year, Uniting AgeWell was honoured to have had Aboriginal elders Alison Overeem and Ayla Williams attend the opening of Strathaven’s new wing and share a Welcome to Country.  Those in attendance were humbled by the generosity of Alison and Ayla who presented a deep telling of the story of the land on which the Strathaven site is located and the cultural connections to the Derwent River and Makalina Rruni, Frying Pan Island. 

Their attendance reflects the growing partnership with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC), Lutruwita (Tasmania) and in particular, Alison and Ayla.  The establishment of Uniting AgeWell’s Walking Together Working Group opened the door to meeting the two – and the group was honoured to attend a workshop facilitated by Alison and Ayla, with members encouraged to consider the meaning of reconciliation and what we want it to mean for Uniting AgeWell and our partners.