Exploring the strengths and needs of Aboriginal women in Broome

13 Jul 2018

Horizon House Broome provides specialist support for young Aboriginal men and is situated on the Yawuru Native Title Lands.

The theme for NAIDOC Week this year – Because of her, we can – encouraged Horizon House caregivers, young people and Broome community members to explore the strengths and needs of local Aboriginal women through reflective messages including art, poems and letters.

This allowed them to not only celebrate, but also identify and explore ways in which the community can all work together to pave the way for young Aboriginal women.

Attendees at the event included guest of honour Manager of Kimberley Red Cross, Loretta Bin Omar, who was this week named the 2018 Kullari NAIDOC Woman of the Year for her services to the community over her career.

Also in attendance were Sisters Pat Ratigan and Kathy Watson, who were raised partly in the St John of God Health Care Convent and remember the plot of land where Horizon House Broome now sits as once being the convent’s chook pen and vegetable garden.

Sister Kathy is also the grandmother of one of Horizon House Broome’s former Tier 1 residents and is a director at the Broome Regional Aboriginal Medical Service and other corporations around the region.

Attendees were asked to contribute a reflection for the day on what strong women meant to them in their lives.

Horizon House Broome carer Nick Rodway said the feedback received was wonderful, particularly from the young people who have only recently arrived into the Horizon House program.

“We look forward to continuing this NAIDOC tradition next year,” Nick said.