Posted 12th November
Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services launched a commissioned Aboriginal artwork during NAIDOC Week celebrations, representing the organisation’s respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and its important work supporting local families.
The piece by local Birrbay artist, Angela Marr-Grogan, is titled ‘Galbaan Wakulda’ meaning ‘Women Together as One’ in Gathang language and is installed in the welcome area of Liberty Cottage at 22 Table St Port Macquarie.
Angela Marr-Grogan said the painted piece represents women united in strength and the sharing of mutual respect and understanding through sisterhood.
“The artwork symbolises growth, resilience, nurturing and connecting. These are all values that Liberty and its team members embody through the valuable work they do every day in supporting families experiencing domestic and family violence,” Ms Marr-Grogan said.
CEO Kelly Lamb said the artwork would become an important part of Liberty’s visual identity, representing the Liberty team’s commitment to strengthening cultural awareness and understanding in everything they do.
“Sincere thanks to Angela for this deeply meaningful piece, which so beautifully captures the spirit of our work supporting women and children on their journey towards safety,” Mrs Lamb said.
“A significant number of our clients are from Aboriginal families, including more than half of transitional housing clients and a quarter of crisis accommodation clients.
“The support we provide aims to empower our clients and their families to achieve their potential, whilst upholding and embracing the culture, beliefs and heritage that form the foundations of who they are.
“To celebrate NAIDOC Week 2020 – Always Was Always Will Be, we’ve done something special every day as a team, including making Johnny Cakes, designing a native garden, weaving and going on a guided Walk on Country with Aunty Rhonda,” Mrs Lamb said.
Liberty has been working hard over the past few years to improve its capacity as an inclusive, culturally aware and safe organisation by creating an environment of diversity, involvement, respect and connection.
As part of the organisation’s Cultural Competency Improvement Plan, Liberty has signed and adopted the Redressing Aboriginal Homelessness Accord, undertaken cultural awareness team training, established the Liberty-led ‘Joining the Dots’ Aboriginal network, established two Aboriginal positions and employed an Aboriginal work placement student.
Photo Caption – Liberty CEO Kelly Lamb with Galbaan Wakulda Artist, Angela Marr-Grogan
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