Culture and history celebrated during Seniors Week

Friendships were formed, cultures were celebrated and pathways forward were discussed at a seniors’ gathering at Wonnerup House this month.

People from indigenous and non-indigenous cultures came together on November 11 during WA Seniors Week for an event convened by BESS Home and Community Care.

Aboriginal elder Gloria Hill provided a Welcome to Country before BESS project officer Julie Howes and key Aboriginal elders introduced the morning’s discussion topics.

Throughout the morning, the group reflected on the difficulties faced by early Aboriginal inhabitants and the arrival of European settlers trying to forge new lives, while also appreciating both cultures’ successes.

The group also addressed the importance of finding a positive way forward so past tragedies would not manifest in later years as depression and anxiety.

Motivational coach and nurse practitioner Anne Mackay, of South West Women’s Health and Information Centre, discussed the impact of stress and anxiety, and taught simple techniques on self-care, mindfulness and emotional well-being.

Historical accounts of the Wonnerup area were relayed to participants including lost sailors, the massacre following the death of George Layman, the links between Wonnerup wetlands and Vasse River homesteads, the first woman hanged in WA, and the link between horses in Busselton and British Remounts in India.

The event was sponsored by Lotterywest, the Department of Local Government and Communities and Council on the Ageing WA.