Murdoch University is hosting the launch of the “Mothering: Valuing Ngaarda Ways” film at 1pm on the 7th August in the Kim E. Beazley Lecture Theatre. This open invitation event, for limited numbers, is during the week of the Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day and is one of the University’s Reconciliation Action Plan events.

The film explores the significance of culture and family to parenting and grand parenting in a regional community; and the mental health and wellbeing of Aboriginal mothers and grandmothers; and features participants speaking of the complexity of parenting and how this can be further compounded by a lack of access to culturally supportive services.

The film was produced in conjunction with Lorraine Coppin, Manager, Juluwarlu Aboriginal Corporation.  Filming, by Tangiora Hinaki of Kick Up Dust Productions, was on Yindjibarndi and Ngarluma countries with more than 60 Yindjibarndi and Ngarluma Aboriginal mothers, grandmothers, fathers, grandfathers and young girls.

This year, Children’s Day is important to Murdoch University because we celebrate the similarities of diverse Aboriginal cultures for strong families; and the contemporary needs of regional and urban Aboriginal parents and their families to grow up strong and healthy children as we launch the film “Mothering: Valuing Ngaarda Ways”.  

The film is a key outcome of an Australian Research Council Discovery Indigenous Research Grant that was led by Professor Rhonda Marriott of Murdoch University and the Triple Wrap research team; with research that mainly took place in the West Pilbara.

An “armchair discussion” with guest Aboriginal organisation, health and research staff will discuss: strengths of Aboriginal families; significance of connection to Country for Aboriginal families; the benefit of holistic; culturally solid Aboriginal maternity services for the mum to be and her family; the importance of proactive support from services in relation to parenting; how closer collaborations between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal maternity and child health services can provide more effective support to parents and improving support services for vulnerable families who may be at risk for a range of reasons.

A co-facilitated panel discussion will invite questions from the audience.  The event is by open invitation and numbers are limited.

In order not to miss out, register your interest by:  27^th July with Jade Maddox on 08 9360 2478 or j.maddox@murdoch.edu.au