WOMEN FIND CONNECTION AND HEALING AT MANGA-BURA WELLNESS CAMP
The attendees relaxing and recentering on Country. Credit Samara Diaz and Jasper McDonald-Blair
Women from across Western Australia have gathered on Yindjibarndi Country for the inaugural Manga-Bura Women’s Wellness Camp.
The three-day gathering created a space for women to step away from everyday pressures and take part in cultural activities, health discussions and conversations around mental wellbeing.
Local Yindjibarndi woman and camp founder Cherylea Walker said the idea came to her while she was driving a dump truck during her regular mining roster.
She said women often carried significant responsibilities in their families, workplaces and communities without taking time to look after themselves.
“Strong women lead strong communities, and we all need to get on board and help this community initiative grow,” Ms Walker said.
Yindjibarndi woman Gloria Lee spoke about the importance of sharing culture while teaching visitors to respect and care for Country and culturally significant places.
The attendees take a photo to commemorate their experience. Credit Samara Diaz and Jasper McDonald-Blair
Mawarnkarra Health Service senior medical officer Dr Seema Basil led discussions about women’s health and the different physical and emotional needs women experience throughout their lives.
Mental-health advocate Valerie Riley also provided practical guidance on recognising when someone may be struggling and connecting them with appropriate support.
She said being on Country gave her an opportunity to slow down, release some of the pressure she had been carrying and reset.
For Yindjibarndi woman Emma James, attending the camp with her daughter Geneva was also part of rebuilding a family connection disrupted by the Stolen Generations.
Attendees trek on Country and listen to one another. Credit Samara Diaz and Jasper McDonald-Blair
Ms James said her grandmother was removed from Millstream when she was three and did not receive records identifying where she came from until she was 65.
“That’s 62 years of not knowing who you were or where you were from,” she said.
During the camp, Ms James discovered that two other participants shared the same great-grandmother, giving her two newly identified aunties.
Participant Xien drove four days from Perth after discovering the gathering on Facebook. She said coming to the land and listening to its people gave her a deeper understanding of culture and connection.
Ms Walker said the response to the inaugural event had already prompted discussions about another camp, with organisers hoping to attract greater community support and involve more women and Elders next year.