Mums group draws on wisdom of ages
8 September 2011
Sharing knowledge and the wisdom of mothers of all ages is one of the aims of a new Aboriginal mothers group starting in the Coalfields.
The mothers group is part of the Wonai Wareya Aboriginal child and family health service run by Hunter New England Health in the Cessnock and Kurri areas.
Cessnock Kurri Kurri Community Health Services manager Kerrie Moore said the mothers group was not just for new mothers.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers of all ages are welcome to come along to meet other mums, learn something new or pass on their wisdom,” Kerrie said.
“It is open to older mums, elders, grandmothers and aunties in the local Aboriginal community. We want them to share their experience, knowledge and wisdom on parenting and culture.”
The mothers group will be held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month during school term at both Cessnock and Kurri Kurri.
It will include information, education and activities on a range of topics such as baby massage, sleep and settling, exercise, diet, quitting smoking and the importance of playing, singing and reading to children.
Aboriginal art and craft classes and cultural awareness and activities will also be included, Aboriginal Health Education Officer Stephanie Smith said.
“One of the aims is to try to raise cultural awareness,” Stephanie said. “For Aboriginal people, connecting and learning about your culture is important for wellbeing and healing.
“If someone is comfortable in their culture, their wellbeing will improve. A lot of younger women perhaps haven’t had the opportunity to know about their culture and we want to change that.”
Wonai Wareya means little child or children in Wonnarua and Awabakal language. The New Directions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and babies child and family health service is free and provides culturally appropriate care for families in the Cessnock area with children up to eight years old.
The first sessions will be held on Thursday 22 September at the Koe-nara centre at Cessnock Public School (between 10am and 12pm) and Kurri Kurri Primary School, between 1pm and 3pm.
For enquiries about joining the group, please contact (02) 4936 3337.
Contact: Frances Holz
Phone: 4939 2216