In the early part of 2019 TCP were invited to project manage and build an Elders retreat and facilities in remote Country on the Yuin Nation Southern NSW. Until then Elders were in the swag camping. In September of the same year TCP along with project partner ART built the Elders retreat (aka The Taj Mahal) a level of comfort that was needed for the Seniors. From left to right day one the steel frame goes up, insulation, cladding and roofing soon after. Yuin Elders just after cutting the ribbon, proud to be entering the Elders retreat for the first time. Art’s founder Andrew Price recording arial footage for the project.
In 2019 along with the support of our sponsors TCP went to the Community of Galupa North East Arnhem Land to construct a safety house for the Women who live there, fulfilling the long standing wishes of Gayili Marika Yunupingu Elder of Galupa. We have now completed stage 1 the building of the house and plan to return in 2022 to Build the Galupa Cultural School and rebuild the ablution block .From left to right : The steady hand of Gayili. The children’s swing at Galupa with heavy industry close by. The Women of Galupa launching Galupa Art, open to all Women of all Cultures (also holding photographs of Amma who was a key supporter of the new house behind). Mary holding the weaving basket. The damper cooking. Michelle Marika holding Djumbarr (sweet lip fish) . Gayili in the art shed . Kitanna Yunupingu bathing. Family working together. Weaving Pandana, language word Gunga. Gayili with her beloved dog Wawa in front of the Communities new home. ART construction team day two. Supporting the Women at Galupa to remain safe on their traditional land cannot be underestimated. Suicide and self harm prevention is closely tied to Cultural identity and connection to traditional lands.
In November 2019 at the invitation of Hope Vale Elders Cape York QLD, TCP was invited to attend a Mens on Country Healing camp. From this trip through the Elders we learnt of the need for on Country Cultural mentoring camps to be conducted on a regular basis (refer to projects page short film Healing on Country). TCP are dedicated to support youth to be with their Elders on traditional country whether on land or at sea .
From left to right: The Hope Vale Fella’s who attended the camp. Kelvin Baru cooling waters, Cocky Apple flowers in November. Deadly dancer Cyril McGreen teaches Willie West and Lester Baru the story in the dance. Cyril McGreen and Uncle Des Bowen sharing time together. Clive Bowen in the swag. Calvin Jack holding Culture, Bark peeling before the wet. Old Mans hat at the Mens circle.
