The Hands On Weavers Group share their knowledge, skills and stories with young and old in the spirit of Yindyamarra.
Who Are We
Members
Aunty Joyce Hampton (President/Cultural Advisor)
Aunty Lorraine Tye
Aunty Nita Lawrence
Aunty Jacqui Ingram
Uncle James Ingram
Aunty Mary Atkinson
Aunty Cheryl Penrith
Aunty Lorraine Bryce
Aunty Janna Havelka
Aunty Jane Havelka
Leanne Sanders (Secretary)
Shanae Pope (Treasurer/Public Officer)
Peter Ingram
Cate Ferguson
Deborah Evans
Brae Tye
Ella Havelka
Associate Members
Linda Elliott
Janine Agzarain
Karin Zuge
Amanda Ugo
Colette Grier
Vivienne Wong
Supporting Organisations
Join Us
If you would like to become a member, an associate member or a supporting organisation, please
email: handsonweavers@gmail.com,
attend one of our weekly Wednesday drop-in sessions and,
read the guidelines and expectations below.
Membership costs $12 for the first year and $10 for subsequent years.
Please note that Individuals omitted from the list above are not associated with the HOW Group and may be using our name and insurance illegally. Please reach out if you are unsure of a person’s involvement in the group.
Hands on Weavers Guidelines and Expectations
Yindyamarra - Respect
Respect cannot be given unless it is reciprocated. Our traditional lore is built on not only the word but behaviour and practice in everything that you do. To respect others, you must first respect yourself. Join us in knowing that everyone who comes to the group brings their own footprint on their journey. Our group must be built on respect for each and every member and not someone who feels they should be treated better than anybody else. When you see a new person come to the group – make them feel welcome, as you yourself would like to have been made welcome as well. This is your time to stand at the border, to stand at the doorway, and welcome through to the group a new member. Please do your best to be friendly and welcoming.
Welcome and Acknowledge
Acknowledgement is what we do out of respect. Through acknowledgement of our Traditional Custodians, and our ancestors we ask for their blessing and goodwill to invite all peoples; members, committee members, visitors, and fellow weavers from visiting Nations and Countries. Our Acknowledgement stems from Respect heard in our speech that we give.
An Aboriginal Elder from Wiradjuri Country will stand proudly and give an official ‘Welcome to Country’. This is telling you that we, as Wiradjuri people, have a beautiful Country and we welcome you to walk, work and live among our people with our blessing and as part of our family. This talk is beautiful and I recommend you listen to the words sung or spoken by our respected Elders. An ‘Acknowledgement to Country’ can be spoken by an Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal person. This is done through respect that you are not an Elder or Traditional Custodian of the Wiradjuri Country, but you take note of the importance and acknowledge this Country by accepting a ‘Welcome to Country’ performed for you. In its absence of a Welcome to Country it is your personal choice to give an ‘Acknowledgement to Country’.
Listen and Learn
Our ancestors would sit and teach the importance of respect, acknowledgement of lessons and the importance of listening. Please listen to each other and our Country as it speaks to you. It is not necessary to talk over anyone disrespectfully; it is necessary for you to feel welcome and to learn to listen. Speak when you have something to share, but listening shows how you are becoming a member of the weaving group. We all are on our individual journey, and until we listen with respect we will stagnate and be forced to stay at that place until we can safely move on.
