2012 YARN Group established at University of Canberra. See above photo of the students and staff who attended one of the first gatherings.
““The work Warren is doing with YARN to establish an open dialogue and greater understanding between Aboriginal and non-Indigenous Australians is of utmost importance if we are to overcome the socio-political and environmental challenges of our time by engaging the collective wisdom of a unified and co-operative culture. Such wisdom calls us to respect our past, remain compassionately present and have the foresight to see beyond our own desires and make better decisions in service of all that will follow. Through YARN, I discovered a cross-cultural community of like-minded people who are governed by a core ethos of mutual respect, acceptance and care for all life. A place where one is free to inquire and share or simply to listen and learn. I believe YARN offers a great opportunity to increase awareness around Aboriginal Australian culture, to integrate it with our own in a modern context and to forge new relationships that will be instrumental in creating a better future for all. I would encourage anyone and everyone to participate.”
Bryn Tirums - ReVIBE ”
Our's is a story of collaboration through events and workshops with schools, universities, communities, organisations, festivals and individuals, to enact a vision of a more unifed and inclusive Australia.
It begins in 2007 at The Armidale School where Warren Roberts had been a student. Warren established an Aboriginal Cultural Program at the school providing students with the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history. The Program was also discussed at the Presbyterian Ladies College (PLC) in Armidale, as Warren met with their prefects to initiate a conversation there.
Later that year YARN was officially founded at the University of New South Wales with the goal of uniting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians through workshops and events held within safe and respectful spaces. Initially these spaces were focused in universities, but they have since expanded throughout the community, and across the continent.
See below a small glimpse of our journey thus far...
2007
YARN Founded at the University of New South Wales by Warren Roberts and a group of students.
2009
YARN Group established at the University of La Trobe by Indigenous Student Officer Gordan Franklin
2010
YARN Founder Warren Roberts led a tour of students and staff from Sydney Universities through the streets of Redfern sharing the stories where he grew up as a child in the 90s.
YARN Group established at the Queensland University of Technology by Laura-Jane Williams
2011
YARN Founder Warren Roberts was selected to be part of the Young Social Pioneer Program in Melbourne at the Foundations for Young Australians learning with other young social change makers to improve their non-for-profits or business.
2012
YARN Group established at University of Canberra. See above photo of the students and staff who attended one of the first gatherings
2012 NAIDOC WEEK YARN Launched as a National Program by our first Patron the Former Prime Minister The Hon. Kevin Rudd.
“To yarn is not simply to have an idle conversation, to yarn is to do something a bit deeper than that and to tell a long story and a long story which often lies imprinted in someone’s mind and their memory. I think you’ve captured therefore the spirit of your organisation well in the word you have chosen to describe it”
Former Prime Minister of Australia The Hon. Kevin Rudd YARN Patron
YARN Patron Former Prime Minister of Australia The Hon. Kevin Rudd Tweets about the Launch at UNSW.
2012 YARN formally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia
2013 YARN Website Launch held at the University of New South Wales Round House after successfully raising the essential funds from our crowd source fundraiser with startsomegood.com
Our first YARN Promo Video was presented to our members and supporters who attended our Website Launch held at UNSW. Thanks Tah Dah Productions for the great video.
2013 YARN NAIDOC Week our first screen print of the YARN Logo on T-Shirts was produced allowing our supporters to have a real presence at university campuses, and in the community by wearing these deadly shirts. T-shirts Printed by Darkies Designs http://www.darkiesdesigns.com.au/
2013 YARN 1st National Training Conference held at the National Centre for Indigenous Excellence in Redfern.
2013 YARN 1st Training Conference here is a photo of the participants who attended.
2013 YARN Founder Warren Roberts National Reconciliation Week Guest Speaker at the Department of AusAID in Canberra, ACT.
2013 YARN Founder Warren Roberts Guest Speaker at Department of AusAID in Canberra, ACT. This event was arranged by Zachary Wone.
2013 YARN NAIDOC Week Poster Designed by Nikita Ridgeway from Boss Lady Designs
2013 YARN Hip Hop theme song recorded by Luana Pitt (Mirror Child) and David Cook with music produced by Corey Webster at Sydney’s iconic Koori Radio and then it was formally launched by Brisbane Murri Radio. Above photo of staff and community members who attended the launch.
2013 YARN had built a collaboration with Seven Women from Nepal who hand made Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander coloured scarves, which was formally launch at NSW Parliament House during NAIDOC Week. Seven Women is a non for profit organisation, socially and economically empowering marginalised and disabled women in Nepal through skills training and employment. http://sevenwomen.org/
2013 YARN NAIDOC Week Event was a collaboration with Crown Entertainment with a flashmob at the Melbourne Crown in their West End Foyer performed by the Superhoodz Hip Hop Dance Crew who were the semi-finalists in the 2012 show Australia’s Got Talent.
2013 YARN established at the Southern Cross University NAIDOC Event, see above photo of some of their students who attended.
2013 YARN Launch at Southern Cross University (Gold Coast Campus), see above students who attended
2013 YARN Group established at the Australian National University by Zachary Wone and Jose supported by International students on campus who are in the above photo.
2014 FEBRUARY YARN 2nd National Training Conference held at the University of Sydney hosted by the USYD Student Representative Council
2014 YARN Group at the University of Sydney, set up by Zachary Wone. See above photo of students who attended one of their sessions.
2014 YARN Group at the University of Melbourne, set up by Levi Mckenzie, see above photo of the students who attended one of their sessions.
2014 YARN Group at Australian National University, another photo of students attending of the sessions held there. Thanks to Jose for your hard work.
2014 YARN Group at the University of New South Wales, set up by Anthony O`Rourke, see above photo of the students who attended one of their sessions.
2014 YARN Group at the Southern Cross University, see above students who attended one of their sessions. Thanks Eddie Mercy for your contribution in establishing this program.
2014 YARN Founder Warren Roberts attended the ICEA Classic in Perth at Cottesloe Beach where he was investigating the potential of collaborating with the Indigenous Communities Education and Awareness (ICEA) Foundation.
2015 YARN Hosts an event at Bondi Beach with Students attending from University of New South Wales, University of Sydney, and the University of Tasmania
2015 YARN Hosts an event at Bondi Beach, see above photo of students who attended.
2015 YARN 3rd National Training Conference held at the University of Sydney. Students attended from Southern Cross University (Gold Coast Campus), University of Queensland, James Cook University, and the University of Sydney.
2015 YARN 3rd Training Conference held at the University of Sydney, see above photo of students who attended
2015 YARN Launches collaboration with Sixty Thousand as the organisations' Arts, Social Media Platform and Community Events Project.
2015 YARN Formally Launches Sixty Thousand Arts and Social Media Platform, at 107 Projects in Redfern. Sponsored by New South Wales Reconciliation Council.
2015 YARN Sixty Thousand Arts, Social Media Platform, and Community Events Project a major success with of two hundred people in attendance with stories shares by Uncle Ken Canning, Aunty Ali Golding, Poets, and featuring a key note performance by Kahl Wallis from the Medics.
2015 YARN Sixty Thousand Launch key not Performance by Kahl Wallis from the Medics
2015 YARN Founder and Kalh Wallis from the Medics after the Sixty Thousand Launch in Redfern
2015 YARN Officially partners with 107 Projects in Redfern to host another YARN Sixty Thousand Arts, and Community event at their venue
2015 YARN Officially partners with 107 Projects in Redfern hosting another YARN Sixty Thousand event with guest speaker Uncle Graham Moonie sharing his story at the event.
2015 YARN and Sixty Thousand Partnered the 'With Goodesy' Team to show our support for Adam Goodes when it came to pride in the culture of Australia’s First Peoples we were committed to taking a tough stance on racism, as we’re With Goodesy. For further information or how you could purchase a shirt please go to http://www.withgoodesy.com/ all proceeds go to the GO Foundation.
2015 YARN Founder Warren Roberts and Sam Lockwood from the Jezabels having an interview at Koori Radio about the T-Shirts Campaign to Support Adam Goodes.
2015 YARN Sixty Thousand Coordinator from left Tim Pembroke with one of the Artist and Members of the T-Shirt 'With Goodesy' Campaign Team.
2015 YARN Gathering at Crescent Head with Vanlife by having Thunghutti Elder Aunty Esther Quinlan provided a Welcome to Country, Sharing of Damper provided by Aunity Gladys Atkinson. The Elders also shared their stories and some dreamtime Stories too. http://www.vanlife.com.au/
2015 YARN Gathering at Crescent Head. See above picture of the many who attended that evening for our story telling and Welcome to Country by local Thunghutti Elders.
2015 28th October Vanlife members enjoying having some damper and scones prepared by Aunty Gladys Atkinson
2015 YARN Gathering at Crescent Head. Photo of the gathering. Thanks Johnny from Vanlife for the photo.
2015 Over the New Year Eve period YARN headed to run workshops at Lost Paradise Festival on Darkinjung Country (Glenworth Valley) exploring ideas culture, conversation, history and relationship building between cultures.
2015 Some of the participants who attended the YARN Workshop at Lost Paradise
2016 YARN Partners with the Captain Cook Hotel to host a SIXTY THOUSAND YEARS Arts Event
2016 22nd January SIXTY THOUSAND YEARS EVENT held at the Captain Cook Hotel included a Rooftop YARN, Smoking Ceremony, Aboriginal Elders, Aunties, and young people sharing their stories, Performance by the Green Hand Band, and The Black Turtles both Sydney local Aboriginal bands. Above Photo of the Band members at the front of the Captain Cook Hotel.
2016 22nd January YARN on the Rooftop Aunty Kathy Slater providing a Smoking Ceremony cleansing the Captain Cook Hotel as a new space where we can gather.
2016 January 22nd YARN on the Rooftop of Captain Cook Hotel. See above photo of the many people who attended this gathering.
2016 January 22nd The Green Hand Band Performing at our SIXTY THOUSAND YEARS Event at the Captain Cook Hotel.
2016 January 22nd The Black Turtles Band Performing at our SIXTY THOUSAND YEARS Event at the Captain Cook Hotel.
2016 January 22nd Uncle Graham Mooney sharing some stories about James Cook at our YARN on the Rooftop gathering at the Captain Cook Hotel.
2016 January 22nd Preston Peachey Sharing his story at our YARN on the Rooftop gathering at the Captain Cook Hotel.
2016 January 20th Our Team painting with Aunty Kathryn preparing the Murals for our YARN Story Telling Workshop at YABUN FESTIVAL. Above: Aunty Kathryn Dodd Farawell, Warren Roberts YARN Founder, Patrick Gallego YARN Research Director, Chris Rodrigo YARN Volunteers Coordinator.
2016 January 26th YARN Story Telling Workshop held at YOUTH STAGE AT THE YABUN FESTIVAL. On Australia Day and Survival Day YARN Collaborates with Aunty Kathryn Dodd Farrawell and the Glebe Tree House through painting a couple of Murals of Art which Elders, Youth, and Jarjums to signed at the Festival. Above Photo: Tim Pembroke Sixty Thousand Years Arts Project Coordinator, Warren Roberts YARN Founder, Bart Willoughby Aboriginal Singer, Aunty Kathryn Dodd Farrawell, and Aunty Wendy from Aunty Wendy's Mob.
2016 March 23rd YARN hosts a Screening of "Black Panther Woman an unflinching documentary describing the Black experience in the volatile period of the 60s and 70s told through the eyes of Marlene Cummins."
2016 April 9th YARN attends Vanlife Gathering at Seals Rock on Biripi Country
2016 June 3rd YARN Partners with the City of Sydney to host MABO DAY at the Redfern Community Centre
June 3rd Mabo Day at Redfern Community Centre: Welcome to Country by Uncle Raymond Davison from the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council
June 3rd Mabo Day at Redfern Community Centre: Mirror Child (Luana Pitt) Opening Performance of her song Mother Earth, Didgeridoo by Jamie
June 3rd Mabo Day at Redfern Community Centre: Performance by Jamie on Didgeridoo & Prabhu Osoniqson the Hang
June 3rd Mabo Day at Redfern Community Centre: Blessing of the Food through sing an Torres Strait Islander Song led by Aunty Pearl Wymarra and Aunty Joyce Wymarra
June 3rd Mabo Day at Redfern Community Centre: Sharing of Torres Strait Islander Food Prepared by Aunty Agnes Ware
June 3rd Mabo Day at Redfern Community Centre: YARN Ambassador Aunty Pearl Wymarra sharing her story
June 3rd Mabo Day at Redfern Community Centre: Photo of the many people who attended the event
June 3rd Mabo Day at Redfern Community Centre: Aunty Agnes Ware sharing her story
June 3rd Mabo Day at Redfern Community Centre: Torres Strait Islander attendees sharing their story
June 3rd Mabo Day at Redfern Community Centre: Wilo sharing his story
June 3rd Mabo Day at Redfern Community Centre: Torres Strait Islander attendees sharing their story
June 3rd Mabo Day at Redfern Community Centre
June 3rd Mabo Day at Redfern Community Centre: Torres Strait Islander attendees sharing their story
June 3rd Mabo Day at Redfern Community Centre: Torres Strait Islander attendees sharing their story
June 3rd Mabo Day at Redfern Community Centre: YARN Cultural Advisor Uncle Graham Mooney sharing his story about Native Title Trusts
June 3rd Mabo Day at Redfern Community Centre: Thanks Uncle Graham Mooney for sharing your story
June 2016 Saturday 25th YARN Australia invited to Host a YARNing Circle at the Sydney Latino Festival the festival Partnered by Marrickville Council
June 2016 Saturday 25th Sydney Latino Festival in Marrickville: Guest Speakers by Uncle Graham Mooney & Aunty Linda Jackon
June 2016 Saturday 25th Sydney Latino Pachamama Festival: YARN Ambassador Aunty Linda Jackson Sharing her story
June 2016 Saturday 25th Sydney Latino Pachamama Festival: The many who gathered to listen to our stories
June 2016 Saturday 25th Sydney Latino Pachamama Festival: YARNing Circle attendees
June 2016 Saturday 25th Sydney Latino Pachamama Festival: Young people joining in the conversation
June 2016 Saturday 25th Sydney Latino Pachamama Festival: The Many who attended the Gathering
July 2016 Saturday Night Sixty Thousand Hosts Blackfulla-Whitefulla Aboriginal Bands at the Captain Cook Hotel Celebrating NAIDOC Week. Musicians included Buddy Roberts, the Green Hand Band, the Black Turtles, Didgimatix, Krista Pav & the Social Fabric, Brian Edwards DJ iSight from Wiradjuri Platnum Mixers with Hip Hop by Col Quinlan, and Henry Edwards.
July 2016 YARN Australia Sixty Thousand Program Hosts Live Aboriginal Bands from Sydney at the Captain Cook Hotel
July 2016 Sixty Thousand at the Captain Cook Hotel: Warren Roberts, Graham Merritt, Duwan Storey
July 2016 Sixty Thousand Program Hosts Live Aboriginal Bands from Sydney at the Captain Cook Hotel: Performance by Didgimatix
July 2016 Sixty Thousand Program Hosts Live Aboriginal Bands from Sydney at the Captain Cook Hotel: Performance by Krista Pav & Social Fabric
July 2016 25th Saturday Sixty Thousand Program Hosts Live Aboriginal Bands from Sydney at the Captain Cook Hotel: Performance by Tim Gray the Green Hand Band
July 2016 Sixty Thousand Program Hosts Live Aboriginal Bands from Sydney at the Captain Cook Hotel: Performance by Green Hand Band
July 2016 Sixty Thousand Program Hosts Live Aboriginal Bands from Sydney at the Captain Cook Hotel: Performance by the Black Turtles
2016 SEPTEMBER - YARN Australia & Vanlife Gathering in Bellbrook at Georges Creek on Thunghutti Country. Enjoyed Stories by Elders, Camping, Exploring, and Swimming.
2016 SEPTEMBER - YARN Australia & Vanlife Gathering in Bellbrook Deadly view of the Milky Way from George's Creek on Thunghutti Country. Photo by Hayden Seyes
2016 OCTOBER YARN Collaborates with the Sydney Conservatorium of Music to host Our Music of Singer-Song Writers and Musicians
2016 OCTOBER YARN Collaborates with the Sydney Conservatorium of Music to host Our Music of Singer-Song Writers and Musicians - Uncle Chikka Madden provided the Welcome to Country for the Event on behalf of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council
2016 OCTOBER YARN Collaborates with the Sydney Conservatorium of Music to host Our Music of Singer-Song Writers and Musicians - Warren Roberts MC for the event thanking Uncle Chikka for the Welcome to Country
OCTOBER YARN Collaborates with the Sydney Conservatorium of Music to host Our Music of Singer-Song Writers and Musicians - Our Music Participants 2016
OCTOBER YARN Collaborates with the Sydney Conservatorium of Music to host Our Music of Singer-Song Writers and Musicians OCTOBER YARN Collaborates with the Sydney Conservatorium of Music to host Our Music of Singer-Song Writers and Musicians
2016 OCTOBER YARN A ustralia Partners with the UNSW Indigenous Society to Commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Gurindji Wave Hill Walk Off hosted at the Nura Gili Students Centre
2016 OCTOBER YARN Australia Partners with UNSW Indigenous Society to Commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Gurindji Wave Hill Walk Off some of the students who attend the event joining in the conversation at Nura Gili Students Centre
2016 OCTOBER YARN Australia Partners with UNSW Indigenous Society to Commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Gurindji Wave Hill Walk Off some of the students, staff, and community members who attend the event joining in the conversation at Nura Gili Students Centre
2016 November 23rd Sydney College of the Arts at Sydney University - Students, and Staff who attended the event. Guest Speakers Aboriginal Artists Aunty Linda Jackson, and Dennis Golding
2016 November YARN Australia hosting 'Culture & Conversation' Event at Sydney College of the Arts Aboriginal Artist Aunty Linda Jackson pictured above
2016 November 23rd Sydney College of the Arts of Sydney University - Guest Speaker Aboriginal Artist Dennis Golding picture in Middle Above
2016 NOVEMBER 24TH THURSDAY - YARN AUSTRALIA Hosting the NAISDA 40th Anniversary After Party. Congratulations Dancers who Graduating this year. Photo: Graduating Dancer Johnny Brown with some of the NAISDA Dancers Celebrating last night. #Deadly #Celebration #DeadlyYARN #NAISDA
2017 JANUARY 21st YARN Australia Partners with Amnesty International, and Captain Cook Hotel to host Culture & Conversation event. Above Guest Speaker Michael Brogan sharing his story about Culture. Warren Roberts YARN Founder Pictured above.
2ND FEB - 6TH APRIL YARN Australia Partnered with the Peace Education Program hosted at Thursday nights from 6pm-8pm at the Redfern Community Centre
2017 MARCH 29TH - YARN Australia Partners with Engineers Without Boarders Australia at UNSW. Guest Speaker Aunty Barbara Simms Kealey sharing her story and talking about Caring for Country.
2017 APRIL 4TH YARN Australia Founder Warren Roberts brings Elders Aunty Linda Jackson, Aunty Barbara Simms Kealey, and Uncle Graham Merritt to meet Native American Chief Kuauhtli Vasquez, Ryan Whitewolf, Samart Sky, Jeffrey Slater in Bondi Beach.
2017 APRIL 19TH YARN Australia Founder invited to Randwick Amnesty International Group to be Guest Speaker at their Living Library at Waverley Library
2017 JUNE 3RD YARN Australia Partners with City of Sydney Redfern Community to Commemorate Mabo Day
2017 JUNE 3RD Above Picture of the many people that attended the event
2017 JUNE 24TH YARN Australia Partners with Pachamama Festival to host Culture & Conversation and Yarning Circle
2017 JUNE 24TH Above Picture of the many that attending the Yarning Circle
2017 AUGUST 25TH Above Photo's are from YARN Australia's Schools Program Culture Workshop at Northern Beaches Christians School (NBCS) attended by YARN CEO & Founder Warren Roberts & YARN Australia Cultural Adviser Uncle Graham Mooney. Organised by NBCS Student Taih Shaw.
Thank you also to the Wurundjeri Elders for coming and welcoming us all to this Country.
Thanks John Wayne Parsons for Sharing your Singing at our Narrm Melbourne Launch
What an incredible evening it was at the @yarnaustralia Narrm Melbourne Launch here at @merringstudioyesterday. Thank you to the team, elders and guest speakers for telling their story and contributing to a memorable night of learning, culture & conversation. Thank you also to the Wurundjeri elders for welcoming us all to this Country. #yarnaustralia #community #culture#conversation #storytelling #indigenous#aboriginal #torresstraitisland #australia#sharedhistory #Narrm #Naarm#Melbourne #Northcote #deadly#jackcharles #antonrivette #reneesleigh#gordonfranklin #warrenroberts#johnwanye #charliefofo #kerrihunt
Olie and Charlie Ford Preparing the Damper and Soup for the Narrm Melbourne Event
Charlie Ford, Charlie's Father, Olie, Charlie's Mother enjoying the YARN Narrm Melbourne Event
The beginnings of creating a safe space last night at the @yarnaustralia Narrm Melbourne Launch. Thank you to the team, elders and guest speakers for telling their story and contributing to a memorable night of learning, culture & conversation. Thank you also to the Wurundjeri elders for welcoming us all to this Country.
#yarnaustralia #community #culture#conversation #storytelling #indigenous#aboriginal #torresstraitisland #australia#sharedhistory #Narrm #Naarm#Melbourne #Northcote #deadly
Guest Enjoying the Soup and Damper at the YARN Narrm Melbourne Event
Here's the wonderful Maree Clarke speaking on Wednesday night at @yarnaustralia's Narrm (Melbourne) Launch at @merringstudio. Illuminating to hear her story and insights into these powerful works. Thank you to @vivienandersongallery for their support.
@yarnaustralia #community #culture#conversation #storytelling #art #visualart#indigenous #aboriginal #torresstraitisland#australia #sharedhistory #Narrm #Naarm#Melbourne #Northcote #deadly@ree_clarke
Thanks to Kent Morris for sharing at @yarnaustralia's Narrm (Melbourne) Launch here at @merringstudio. So interesting to hear him speak about 'cultural representation in the Australian landscape'. Thank you to @vivienandersongallery for their support.
Thank you to Katie West for sharing her story and allowing us to screen 'Decolonist' at @yarnaustralia's Narrm (Melbourne) Launch here at @merringstudio.
Thank you to the one and only Uncle Jack Charles for sharing his story at the @yarnaustralia Narrm Melbourne Launch last week. What a memorable night of culture & conversation. Thank you also to the Wurundjeri elders for coming and welcoming us all to this Country.
Thanks to Renee Sleigh and Kerri Hunt for sharing their story at the @yarnaustralia Narrm Melbourne Launch last week. Such a memorable night of culture & conversation. Thank you also to the Wurundjeri elders for coming and welcoming us all to this Country.
Thanks Desert Pea Media for showcasing your Music Video's at our YARN Narrm Melbourne Community Event
Thanks Desert Pea Media for showcasing your Music Video's at our YARN Narrm Melbourne Community Event
The wonderful John Wayne Parsons, a Yugarra and Ugar man, singing and speaking last night at the @yarnaustraliaNarrm Melbourne Launch.
Warren Roberts YARN Australia Founder Sharing final message of the YARN Narrm Melbourne Event
2017 25th October YARN Australia Narrm (Melbourne) Launch of our Community Events in Victoria.
2017 21st November Film Screening Occupation: Native YARN Australia hosted at the event at the Redfern Community Centre. Thanks to Cassie Jackson, and Aunty Lena Quinlin for sharing your stories. See above photo of the many who joined in the YARN Circle and took part in the conversation.
2017 21st November Film Screening Occupation: Native YARN Australia hosted at the event at the Redfern Community Centre. Thanks to Cassie Jackson, and Aunty Lena Quinlin for sharing your stories. See above photo of the many who attended the event.
25 FEBRUARY 2018
YARN Australia & Merring Studio present a Narrm (Melbourne) Showcase to engage the community in our vision to build connection and unity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and Non-Indigenous Australians.
Join us for a special evening of conversation, story telling, food, music and an exhibition from local First Nations artists. This will be a safe and respectful space where people can share stories and celebrate their culture.
Exhibiting artists: Pitcha Makin Fellas and Hayley Millar-Baker
25th July 2018
NAIDOC Week 2018 will celebrate the invaluable contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have made – and continue to make - to our communities, our families, our rich history and our nation. On Wednesday 25th July 2018, YARN Australia will celebrate the stories of the Quinlan Sisters Elva Taylor and Pat Dixon.
Elva Taylor was a strong Aboriginal community organiser passionate about community, health and youth development, who advocated for Aboriginal community controlled organisations and to build the capacity of the community to access culturally appropriate services.
Pat Dixon was the first Aboriginal woman elected to local government in NSW, holding the positions of Deputy Mayor of Armidale City Council; Aboriginal Policy Officer with the Department of Local Government and Corporate Services; and Member of the Australian Local Government Association.
"My grandmother Elva Taylor played a significant role in my life, raising me to understand why having a good education is important; to never forget where I came from; to be proud of who I am; and to stand tall. Through her encouragement, support, and guidance I am able to be confident, passionate and empathetic in achieving my goals and aspirations. Also, having worked in local government I can reflect on my experience and note the achievements of my grandmother's sister Pat Dixon in ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices were heard at a local level on issues our communities cared about by having a seat at the decision makers table. Both women have achieved much for us, and it is through their hard work and determination that ‘we can’.” Warren Roberts YARN Australia CEO & Founder
Come along to hear the family and friends of these two sisters share their stories that provide an insight into their passions and what gave them the drive to better the outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Quinlan Sisters - Aunty Pat Dixon and Aunty Elva Taylor
26th August 2018
YARN Australia & Merring Studio present a Narrm (Melbourne) Showcase to engage the community in our vision to create connection between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians.
Join us for a special afternoon of conversation, storytelling, food, music and an exhibition from First Nations artists
Jo-Ann Guest Speaker sharing her story about how she got into Cooking Bush Tucker and the intention of her Catering business Goanna Hut.
Nick Farrar from The Growing Trend providing Workshop on Seed Bombs and Composting
Luana Pitt Mirror Child Singer Performing
Jessy Currie from Nulungu Dreaming Sharing history and Aboriginal Culture
