Kaiela Arts established a partnership with Rumbalara Elders Facility (REF) in June 2023 focusing on new ways of working and sharing of cultural arts practices to enhance and sustain the wellbeing of our local Elders and younger generations alike.

Elders are the backbone of our community, the cultural knowledge keepers, activists, and leaders, grandmothers and grandfathers, whose strength has ensured our survival over many generations. Our Elders keep culture, Country, language, and family, strong and connected. They nurture identity, pride, wellbeing and belonging and encourage intergenerational learning.

This work places culture and collaboration at the centre, promoting the social and emotional determinants of health of Elders at the REF. We utilise cultural arts as a vehicle to increase connection to mind and emotion, Culture and community, family and kinship, and spirituality and ancestors.

Weekly sessions at REF and visits to Kaiela Arts facilitated by senior Yorta Yorta creative and cultural practitioner Lyn Thorpe, provide time and space for Elders to connect, yarn, reminisce, share stories, and self-determine expression through different creative mediums including painting, drawing, ceramics, crafts, photography, digital recordings, music and language.

We are working with the Elders to develop legacy creative works that capture their important memories and stories for future generations – honouring, celebrating and expressing pride in their lives and contributions.

Proudly supported by Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative

Photos by Belinda Briggs & Lyn Thorpe

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