5/04/2022
New gathering place for Aboriginal Elders
ABORIGINAL Elders now have a new fit-for-purpose space to meet, following the official opening of the Elders Gathering Place at 21 Pine Avenue, Mildura.
NEW GATHERING PLACE OPENED FOR
ABORIGINAL ELDERS
ABORIGINAL Elders now have a new fit-for-purpose space to meet, following the
official opening of the Elders Gathering Place at 21 Pine Avenue, Mildura.
Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS) today unveiled the new space, which
includes meeting areas, medical consultation and intake rooms, room for Elders to do
their art, a quiet space for meditation, an outdoor space and a men’s shed.
“Opening this Gathering Place is all about demonstrating respect for our Elders,”
explained MDAS Chief Executive Officer Jacki Turfrey.
“It’s about listening to what our Elders have asked us to provide for them, then
delivering a space that meets their needs.”
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Elders met with Ms Turfrey last year to yarn about the Elder’s program and the current
space available to them. Ms Turfrey met with the Elders to better understand what it
was they thought MDAS could do for them. At the top of their list was the need for a
more appropriate place for Elders to meet and participate in their programs and access
services.
“Our Elders had been meeting in various MDAS spaces over the years, but had not
previously been prioritised. The Elders were clear about needing a space they could call
their own,” she said.
Refurbishment of the Pine Avenue building was planned to commence in late 2021, but
was delayed by the COVID-19 outbreak and response.
The building was prioritised for refurbishment this year and has now been refitted,
refreshed and repainted to be a welcoming place for Elders to meet.
“It is expected this space will be open each day during the week and available to Elders
as a place to meet, to rest, to participate in programs, to get their health checks and to
practice their art. This is their place,” Ms Turfrey said.