Believed to be the first of its kind in Canterbury Bankstown, the circle was the brainchild of RCC Community Development Officer Maha Taleb and is located within RCC community gardens.
Open to the Indigenous community, the public, local organisations, religious groups, schools and others, the launch included a ribbon-cutting, Welcome to Country and a Smoking Ceremony performed by Uncle John Dickson.
Maha says yarning is an Aboriginal English word that describes an informal conversation or storytelling in a culturally safe environment and should be viewed and recognised as a privilege for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
“Yarning is a way to learn from a collective group, build respectful relationships, and to preserve and pass on cultural knowledge,” she said.
“It will also be the ideal place to share a cuppa and a chat or possibly make craft.
“We have planted a lot of bush tucker and we’re excited to see these plants grow as will our circle community; it’s really a work in progress but we’ve tried to make it so it reflects the Indigenous culture and what they, along with others, will come to know as their safe place for connection and storytelling.”
Uncle John said: “By blessing the yarning circle in the correct way, it ensures spirits, culture and community values are upheld.
“The yarning circle is now a sacred place where you can come and discuss any matters important to you and your mob as well as receive support.”
First Yarning Circle to share cultural stories
THEY thought they would not make the deadline but with volunteers working for eight days’ straight between rain, Riverwood Community Centre (RCC) was able to launch its Public Yarning Circle at the end of NAIDOC Week earlier this month.
