Document

Voices of the Wheatbelt: Our Place our Stories is a community arts project

carried out between July 2009 and June 2010 in the Southern Wheatbelt

towns of Brookton, Pingelly, Narrogin and Wagin, Western Australia.

Photography and filmmaking were used to explore notions of place and

belonging, in doing so it encouraged a sense of pride, built relationships

and fostered community participation and harmony.

These pages contain just a small selection of images taken by local

community members. Each image takes you on a journey into an element

of Wheatbelt life; they invite you to explore culture, the community and the

landscape through the eyes of those who live, play and work there.

This book also includes a DVD with three short films made in Narrogin,

Brookton and Wagin. The films feature stories from local Elders and

community members about Noongar culture and history.

V O I C E S O F T H E W H E AT B E LT

OUR PLACE, OUR STORIES

V O I C E S O F T H E W H E AT B E LT

OUR PLACE, OUR STORIES

You are stepping into a vivid sensory experience where dust rises up from sheep hooves, shearing happens without socks and local residents introduce you to their families and invite you into their homes.

Tread carefully as bull ants quench their thirst, wild storms bring drought relief and teddy bears are won at the show. There are vibrant sunsets, tranquil moments of open countryside and Noongar Elders welcome you to sacred sites and share stories of culture and days gone by.

Enjoy the following heartfelt and proud Voices of the Wheatbelt!

d v d p r e s e n tat i o n - i n s i d e B a c k c o v e r

v o i c e s o f t h e w h e at B e ltOUR PLACE, OUR STORIES

front cover photo - Jenny Windsor

inside front & Back cover photo - Tyrone Bennell

dvd photo - Tyrone Bennell

v o i c e s o f t h e w h e a t B e l t

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f o r e w o r d

the colours, spirit, people and landscape sums up the beauty within the wheatbelt region, which is accustomed and at times only appreciated by the people that live there.

this book is a special insight into the uniqueness of the people, children and colours.

it also captures the isolation, loneliness of place, and a strong sign of pride by the people who call the wheatbelt region their home.

place and belonging is the very heart of this great compilation of imagery and clearly the children are the heartbeat of the country. they symbolize the ongoing growth of the family tree. living with and working with the land is also a sign of the combined pride in a oneness between man and land. the balance is captured majestically in the splendour of a land that many would not know about, but the residents of this region are much the richer for knowing this secret treasure. they open up and share through this collection of images for all to appreciate. arwoon nyoongar Buja, Mooditch.

this collection of images also paints the wheatbelt as a special place to the people who traditionally come from there, the nyoongar people. its uniqueness is very much in their hearts, minds & spirit. since time began and through

the turbulent periods of colonisation culture and language remains a priority and i commend can wa for facilitating cultural conversations through the eyes of the camera and showcasing them in this publication.

i write this with pride as my wife is nyoongar and my two sons are part nyoongar and my two grand children are also nyoongar.

ngulla koorlangka ngulla bidiyar boordawarrn.

our children, our future leaders.

Mark Bin Bakar

from the kitja, djaru, Gooniyandi tribes

wa australian of the Year 2008 indigenous person of the Year 2007/2008 arwoon

© community arts network wa ltd. 2010

community arts network wa ltd. (can wa) 357-365 Murray street perth wa 6000 t 08 9226 2422 f 08 9226 2230e [email protected] www.voices.canwa.com.au

this book is copyright. apart from any use as permitted under the copyright act 1968, no part may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher. requests and inquiries concerning production and rights should be addressed to community arts network wa ltd, po Box 7514, cloisters square wa 6850 or [email protected].

every reasonable effort has been made to contact copyright owners of materials reproduced in this publication. the publishers welcome communication from any copyright owner from whom permission was inadvertently not obtained.

national library of australia cataloguing-in-publication data: voices of the wheatbelt: our place, our stories isBn: 0-9581235-7-8

compiled by Michael atkinsondesigned by the loft Group printed by Geon australia pty limited.

disclaimer throughout this project more than 100 participants took photographs. in

each session participants were assigned a numbered memory card and

their photos were carefully stored in their individual folder. sometimes the

participant became the subject as a friend or classmate spotted a great

shot. in these large group situations, it just wasn’t possible to keep track

of the camera swapping. for that reason, some of the photos in this

book maybe credited incorrectly.

wherever we could, we have tried to credit the images as accurately

as possible.

GOVERNMENT OFWESTERN AUSTRALIA

Department of

Culture and

the Arts

principal funding partner

this project was funded by the australian Government through the department of families, housing, community services and indigenous affairs.

other funding partners

left photo - Juwan Storey; right photo - Juwan Storey

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i feel very privileged to be presenting you with voices of the wheatbelt: our place, our stories.

each of these pages tell a story, an intimate moment that was captured by an adult or a child behind a digital camera. each page also conveys a moment, a feeling experienced by those who live and love this part of our country.

this publication presents a rich visual narrative of the deep connection between people and places of the southern wheatbelt. the narrative is enhanced by the participant comments, which reveal the significance of certain places, events and relationships throughout this book. these captions let us into the intimate relationship between people, community, culture and place.

This publication also contains 3 short films made by the communities as part of skill based cultural exchange workshops involving noongar children and elders. these short stories are an invitation to journey back to the country where local elders share personal accounts of growing up in the wheatbelt. some of their stories take us on an informative, personal and moving journey back to a time where noongar families experienced segregation.

a sense of place and belonging are very powerful human emotions and we have learnt that something pretty magical occurs when people are supported and enabled to look at their place through fresh eyes. throughout this project we observed the participants develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for their surroundings and an enhanced sense of individual and collective pride.

projects like this are essential to build communities from the inside out. They benefit the community by bringing people together in fun learning environments where they share meaningful experiences that bring them closer to each other and to their place. can wa supports people to invest in their communities and join together to bring about greater cohesion and participation. families who might ordinarily not engage with one another came together to share stories, experiences and hopes for the future.

can wa is passionate and committed to working with rural and remote communities throughout western australia to support community arts and cultural development.

during this project, can wa gained further funding to implement a four-year arts and cultural development program in the southern wheatbelt. we established our second regional office in Narrogin and employed an Aboriginal arts and cultural development coordinator who will steer the programs in the region.

this project has been invaluable for can wa to introduce itself and demonstrate its approach. Significant support for the project was gained in each town from a variety of stakeholders including aboriginal community and elders, local community organizations, schools, local, state and federal government agencies and police. we are very grateful for their support and look forward to working with everyone on future projects.

pilar kasat Managing director

i n t r o d U c t i o n

photo - Michael Atkinson

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Three 4-day filmmaking workshops took place between april and June 2010 in Brookton, narrogin and wagin. an initial planning session was facilitated to brainstorm story ideas and plan for the 3-day practical workshop, which was held a week later. elders and noongar adults and school children participated in the 3-day workshop that covered storyboarding, camera work, sound and lighting.

filming took place at missions, reserves and other local sites in documentary format where noongar children interviewed elders and adults about life back in the days of reserves and missions. A copy of the films is inserted at the back of this publication on a dvd titled Koorliny Noonook Boodja (Back to country).

exhibitions

three community photography exhibitions have been held at significant local events:

in wagin at the wagin woolorama where approximately 15,000 people attended over 2 days.

in Brookton at the old time Motor show where approximately 5000 people attended.

in pingelly at the annual Market day where approximately 500 people attended.

All of the exhibitions received excellent feedback and the final exhibition will be held in narrogin from the 24 June 2010.

website

a key goal of phase 2 was to bring both phases together and round off the project. this has been done through the creation of a website which showcases both phases of the project. the website also outlines the project process and promotes both publications. visit us at www.voices.canwa.com.au.

conclusion

several other community arts projects were inspired through this project, which were implemented as part of can wa’s ongoing community cultural development project being run in the southern wheatbelt.

CAN WA hopes you enjoy this display of photos and films generously provided by local community members from the southern wheatbelt region of western australia.

Michael atkinsonproject Manager

when choosing images, i have been keen to use images shot in people’s homes. it was important in the project to change participant’s perspectives on what was worthy of photographing, as contemporary photomedia can differ in subject matter from traditional photography practice.

for example, sue Bennell’s images of her feet on the weighing scales can be considered intimate self-portraits and say much about the photographer.

some images have been chosen purely on their merit as a ‘pretty picture’, however many images suggest the boredom, emptiness, heat and other uncomfortable parts of life in the southern wheatbelt. alternatively, some images do suggest happiness and fun with families and evoke beauty and kindness. some images suggest neither.

this project could have been edited in a variety of ways but i have deliberately edited with a multi-dimensional approach. in this way, the project has more depth, texture and multiple ways of being viewed. the images may not necessarily provide answers (photography’s traditional identity) but may leave the viewer asking questions (photography’s contemporary role), creating engagement and dialogue.

Bo wongphotographer and artist facilitator

s t o r Y B e h i n d t h e p r o J e c t

You are about to enjoy a sample of photos and three short films created through a series of community-oriented skill based workshops conducted in four southern wheatbelt towns of western australia (Brookton, pingelly, narrogin and wagin).

this publication introduces 105 local residents who give a candid insight into life in the wheatbelt. through their photo stories and film presentations they reframe stereotypical images and bring Voices of the Wheatbelt to life.

community cultural development

the objectives of the project were to foster a sense of belonging and strengthen relationships between aboriginal families and among aboriginal and non-aboriginal communities. through the process technical skills were developed, new friendships established, understanding of history and local culture developed and a sense of indivdual and town pride built upon.

this project followed on from phase 1 of the Voices of the Wheatbelt project where photography, song writing and other artistic workshops were carried out in four eastern wheatbelt towns (Quairading, kellerberrin, tammin and Merredin). an independent evaluation report and consultation with the original project team was used to reflect on the first phase and shape development of phase 2.

an initial period of consultation took place in each town where the priority concern raised was young people disengaging from education and employment.

We identified opportunities in each town to form partnerships and add value to existing projects and activities.

a professional photographer with community development experience was employed to assist with the community engagement process as well workshop design and implementation.

photography workshops

four 5-week and two 3-week photographic workshops took place between november 2009 and March 2010. participants ranged in age from 7 years to 75 years. workshops were arranged with the assistance of local community organisations including aboriginal progress associations, schools and local government.

participants learnt about the technical and artistic aspects of digital photography, including the elements of design, composition and ways to use light. the theme of place and belonging was explored through the workshops, commencing with a conceptual brainstorm where local sites, events, and people were identified as possible photo opportunities.

excursions to places in and around each town were organised. as people sat on buses and walked around local sites they shared stories about changes over the years, made new friends, and talked about the future. where necessary participants were lent cameras between workshops and encouraged to take photos throughout the week. in the last session of each workshop participants chose their favourite photos and were supported to write a caption that expressed their life in the town.

filmmaking workshops

throughout the photographic workshops participants expressed interest in participating in other community arts activities such as youth cultural retreats, filmmaking and public art. Significant interest was also expressed in developing a cultural festival to bring people together from across the region in a celebration of noongar culture.

after discussions with community leaders we proceeded with filmmaking workshops. Filmmaking presented an alternative way to achieve project objectives and an opportunity to support a festival type event where the short films produced through the workshops could be screened.

photo - Bo Wong photo - Michael Atkinson

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This is me on the street that I live on. I used the self-timer.

It looks cool how I took it.

Juwan storey

photo - Lou Johnson photo - Juwan Storey

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He’s actually biting his nose but it looks really cute. I

like the lighting, the background and it looks cute and

pretty.

Breanna Brinkworth

top photo - James Mead; Bottom photo - Breanna Brinkworth

“Statesman car”. My parents in law

owned this car for over 20 years. It’s

seen about eight trips backwards and

forwards across the Nullarbor, the

motor has been redone twice, just

about every panel has been replaced,

and it has had two paintjobs.

A lifetime of memories go with this car.

sandra Johnson

top photo - Jenai Collard; Bottom photo - Sandra Johnson

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I really like the fence post cut from original bridge, T5 bridge approach. This bridge is a mark for river

flow levels. The school bus had to leave town when water was due to go over the old bridge level. A

WW1 chap had to swim the bridge for his last leave home before embarkation (Fred Mills).

Jan eva

left photo - Juwan Storey; Middle photo - Lou Johnson photo - Jan Eva

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Curious neighbours - After my older brother married and took over the farm, the rest of us moved to town. The emus

were entertaining neighbours for my brother and I.

anne Goldsmith

I loved the sloping angles and levels of the fence and rock wall. The naturalness of the wood, rocks, trees and weeds

give the feeling that time has gone by and all is allowed to relax and the hard work is over. Nine Acre Rock, Brookton.

Beryl stephenson

photo - Beryl Stephenson photo - Anne Goldsmith

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I took this photo when Ty and I went bike riding

up near the CBH. It reminds me of when we first

got the cameras and got to take them home. I like

how one rock stands out and the rest are a blur, it

makes a good background.

Bradley Bennell

I love this picture because it is replete with history. I love history. The history of the 50-year friendship of these wonderful

professional women, one of whom is my beautiful wife, the middle one. Also the history of the 139 year old olive tree

which is commemorated in the name of the company that these women have created, “The Hundred 100 Year Old

Olive Oil Company”.

allan peachment

top photo - Allan Peachment; Bottom photo - Rose Marie Flendt top photo - Sue Pike; Bottom photo - Bradley Bennell

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Although the doors are closed I found it welcoming

within.

cynthia fuller

Inside the church I found this beautiful window

which tells a story about a church on the way to

Wandering. The church is no longer there and this

window is a sort of memorial to it.

cynthia fuller

left photo - Cynthia Fuller; right photo - Cynthia Fullerphoto - Judy Williams

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“Old Kunjin Railway Bridge”. This image is about so many things – its not a great photo – but to me it represents so

many things. Mostly it reminds me how much time has passed since political attitudes toward the Wheatbelt have

changed. I imagine the time when this rail-line was built – when investment in rural infrastructure was seen as an

investment in the future of WA and Australia. Now it seems like we have to fight for everything, and made to feel

like we’re a drain on the budget – rather than a major contributor. On a more personal level – the rail line traverses

our farm – I imagine previous generations when the land was resumed to build the railway – the crews camping out

to build it. As our kids love exploring around the old tracks and culverts, I imagine previous generations of children

running up to see the trains as they slowly climbed the hill. Our kids are the sixth generation on the property – there

are so many things that are different but the same.

carina whittington

photo - Carina Whittington photo - Malcolm Jetta

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photo - Carina Whittington top photo - Cherie Abednego; Bottom left photo - Grace Merritt; Bottom right photo - Sue Bennell

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The storm is coming to Brookton. The

storm caused major damage in Perth,

crossed the ranges and headed inland

and came towards us in Brookton at

sunset. I like the contrast; to me it looks

like it is really alive and moving.

George pitman

Mum making sandwiches for afternoon tea. It is all about feeding the family.

cheryle lee

top photo - Cheryle Lee; Bottom left photo - Sue Pike; Bottom right photo - Lou Johnson photo - George Pitman

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Being able to get down to our roots

of farming, in the sheep yards,

barefoot, touching the sheep, being

part of it all from an early age. ‘Where

else Farm’ in Brookton.

Beryl stephenson

“TJ’s Tank”. This is the watering hole for thirsty golfers at Pingelly. It denotes

the ‘rural-ness’ or ‘rustic-ness’ of Pingelly. I wonder how many locals would

have taken refreshments there? I had the dogs running wild. It was raining.

Not much thought went into it – the dogs got away!

carolyn shannon

photo - Carolyn Shannon photo - Beryl Stephenson

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The Storm. I heard the thunder so went to the end of

the street to photograph the storm; you could see this

huge black cloud moving across the edge of town. It

followed the hills and you could just imagine a space

ship coming out of it like on TV.

Jenny windsor

“Tennis/kids”. While we may complain about being the kids taxi, much of our social life is catching up while the kids

do sports. I really liked this image – not just of the kids enjoying their tennis, but its about summer Friday’s – end of

the week, the kids are happy, it seems like half the school is up at tennis – siblings playing while they wait their turn;

impromptu meetings are held – because everyone is there, it’s a drop off/pick-up time; Dad’s call in on their way

home. The heat of the day leaves as we chat and then wander home.

carina whittington

photo - Carina Whittington photo - Jenny Windsor

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This is a gum tree at Puntapin Rock. I just took a picture,

I like the angle.

Xavier cole

photo - Xavier Cole

Monday morning doing the washing and the sun came out behind the clouds. It was a little boring

so I ducked down behind the clothesline.

cheryle lee

photo - Cheryle Lee

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New life emerges after the storm, which ends our 4-month dry spell.

carolyn shannon

top photo - Carolyn Shannon; Bottom photo - Carina Whittington

“Shearing”. My sister and I

decided to go out to the family

farm to take some photos, they

were shearing. I could not get

over how my Dad had boots

with no sox’s, he said he never

wore sox’s in summer as they

just got grass seeds in them

and no one pulled them out.

Jenny windsor

previous page; left photo - Lou Johnson; right photo Rose Marie Flendt

photo - Jenny Windsor

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Sewing is my out, my way to create; something

that lasts more than a day.

cheryle lee

My friends made this for my birthday.

Beryl Baljeu

I like this photo because it reminds me of a time I got to spend with my nan. We were buying clothes for my

graduation and I took this photo on the day of my dad’s anniversary of when he passed away. I like the way the light

falls on my face, showing my bright side and my brown side.

Bradley Bennell

photo - Bradley Bennell top photo - Beryl Baljeu; Bottom photo - Cheryle Lee

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This is a park where I often take

my three kids. We walk the dog at

the oval and the kids are occupied

on the playground while organising

weddings and events at the

community centre or at footy games.

There’s not much else for the kids to

do in Pingelly.

kristy callow-Jetta

“Relaxing at home with Toffie our

dog”. She loves to have a belly

rub and toes will do just fine.

George pitman

photo - George Pitman top left photo - Ross Storey; top right photo - Jenai Collard; Bottom photo - Kristy Callow-Jetta

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Kooraminning Centre

was once an old Railways

Hostel for workers. Then

in the 70’s the building

was handed over to the

Narrogin Community, then

Kooraminning was formed.

Murray riley

Entrance, Narrogin Reserve,

Cuballing Road, Narrogin.

This photo is the entrance to

what was once the Reserve

that housed lots of Noongar

families which still reside in

Narrogin.

Murray riley

Old welfare building, now the office of law firm Bill Everett. This was the office where a lot of sad decisions were made

back in the 60’s, 70’s and early 80’s. Children of Aboriginal families were taken from their loved ones and homes and

placed in the care of the Government. But in the late 70’s to early 80’s a group of Noongar men got together and

formed a committee, which saw the making of Kooraminning.

Murray riley

photo - Murray Riley top photo - Murray Riley; Bottom photo - Murray Riley

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“My Daughter”. Nicola enjoys attending Best Start. We go every Monday – Wednesday and she can’t get enough of it.

She enjoys the activities like riding the bikes and playing in the sandpit.

cherie abednego

This is my hand and my cousin’s Hope, Laura

and Emma’s hands. We hang out a lot! This

was taken at a church on a rock.

Juwan storey

top photo - Juwan Storey; Bottom photo - Ross Storey photo - Cherie Abednego

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This is my brother Jaydon at home. He was acting funny, making us laugh. It makes me think of the fun I have with

my family.

sophie williams

photo - Sophie Williams top photo - Anne Goldsmith; Bottom left photo - Wolf Flendt; Bottom right photo - Beryl Baljeu

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This is the Shire President of the Shire of Brookton. He competed in Brookton’s second triathlon. The name of his

team was ‘The President’s Men’. People who work for the Shire had a team called ‘The Uncivil Servants’. There

was so much camaraderie. I like doing this sort of photo because it is a way to zoom in on a detail of the overall big

picture of this community event. I like to look for abstract, pattern and texture. I like how you can see the water on his

arm. The “5” is significant because that is the number of his team.

Judy williams

This is Bradley, my cousin at

Miley Pool. I heard stories that

my mum used to swim there.

Bradley is the same age as

me and he likes having his

photo taken. I like his dark skin

and his gelled hair against the

background and the light on

his nose.

Brandon Bennell

This is my youngest brother

Tyrone. His face is serious,

he’s mostly serious. I thought it

would be a good photo with the

trees. He lives in Brookton with

me, Bradley and our Nan.

Brandon Bennell

photo - Judy Williams top photo - Brandon Bennell; Bottom photo - Brandon Bennell

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This is the Shearer’s Board in my shearing shed. I like the framing – circles in circles! It also shows a snapshot of the

workplace and gives a sense of the working conditions.

sue and des pike

photo - Sue and Des Pike;

right hand photo - Judy Williams

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It’s like a school motto. This is the way

I’d like to be, and other people too.

It’s all over the school, every single

classroom. I think it makes a difference,

there isn’t any more fights.

Makisha edgillThis is Elly. She’s pulling a cute face. She comes

and wakes me up every morning by licking my

face. She likes to chase the crows; they eat our

ducklings. She’s my friend.

Max Brinkworth

“FLAG BEARERS” These children are

from year 6. They were chosen as flag

bearers for 2010. At the end of 2010

some more year 6 children will be

chosen.

pam williams

top photo - Breanna Brinkworth; Bottom photo - Max Brinkworth top photo - Makisha Edgill; Middle photo - Pam Williams; Bottom photo - Pam Williams

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top photo - Carina Whittington; Bottom left photo - Sue Bennell; Bottom Middle photo - Jaydon Winmar;

Bottom right photo - Trudi Spratt

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This is the street I live on. I have lived there for 14 or 15 years, and most of my family lives there.

sophie williams

“Grave with flowers”. The

sun is shining on the Angel’s

Garden. Maggies grave is

another of the big reasons

we stay in Pingelly. She’s our

miracle child and we visit her

as often as we can.

sandra Johnson

previous page, top photo - Cheryle Lee; Bottom photo - Carina Whittington

photo - Sandra Johnson

top photo - Sophie Williams; Bottom photo - Sue Bennell

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Nicholas. He’s 2 turning 3. He’s funny and strong and he likes

to hit us boys. In the background is a tree and he’s on the

playground. He’s my youngest brother.

cedric cole

This photo was taken at Cuballing Park. All the blokes look happy to be sharing the BBQ cooking and they show the

proud stand of being a strong family. Family getting together at BBQ’s is a very passionate time for everyone. We joke

we laugh and we catch up on things.

cherie abednego

photo - Cherie Abednego photo - Cedric Cole

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left photo - Lou Johnson

right photo - Lou Johnson

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Sunset after the storm.

Another special sunset

we won’t see again.

Tomorrow will see another.

pat o’brien

“Back Paddock End of the Road” –

Cravie Farm.

pat o’brien

“Treasured Memories” – Leithdale

Farm, Pingelly. Property purchased

by Ron and Pat. Our first patch.

pat o’brien

top photo - Pat O’brien; Bottom photo - Pat O’brien photo - Pat O’brien

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Kitten playing hide and seek in the garden at

Edenvale. Many kittens have been given to homes

in the district making good mouse catchers and

companions.

sue and des pike

“Clover”. Passing

it onto the next

generation.

cheryle lee

left photo - Cheryle Lee; Middle photo - Malcom Jetta photo - Sue and Des Pike

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Hope and Emma were having fun on the trampoline while

Megan was taking the photo at Megan’s house. We took it

because it means we are having fun.

Megan turvey

“Tree tyre swing”. This one is an emotional one for me. The kids wanted to be in the shot – but I wanted one without

them in it. I think a lot about sending our kids away to school – how precious the time is that we have with them,

how our lives are centred around them, their activity, their noise. I love the noise now – imagining how quiet it will

soon be. This swing is under their ‘fun tree’ with rope ladders and loads of climbing branches. This is where the kids

disappear to – they make up so many games around this tree and swing, so many adventures. Often it is toward

the end of the day, when the sun illuminates the leaves and makes the shadows that add to the mystery of the tree.

Squeals float into the house. When I walk down past the tree to lock up the chooks, I see the tyre hanging still and

quiet and I’m overwhelmed with that sense of upcoming loss. For now it is a happy shot – but it won’t always be.

carina whittington

photo - Carina Whittington photo - Megan Turvey

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Ruins of Larson’s handmade rock

house at Nine Acre Rock. It is like

looking at the view the pioneers

would have enjoyed. It is reflective of

the landscape and the history around

Brookton and the hard work that

went into building it.

Miriam wright

This is at the Pingelly

cemetery. My mum and

dad, brother, cousins,

aunties and uncles

and friends are there. I

occasionally go to funerals

there and sometimes put

flowers on Mother’s and

Father’s Days. It’s a scene

of peacefulness within

yourself, no hassles and

your mind can be at peace.

Janice kickett

photo - Janice Kickett top photo - Carina Whittington; Bottom photo - Miriam Wright

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photo - Bradley Bennellphoto - Carina Whittington

‘Fence’ it is the quality of light that I

liked about this shot. Anyhow – we’re a

really busy family, we’re active, our kids

are active – life is full – and often home

feels like a transit station – dropping

off one lot of bags, picking up the next

and heading off again. But there is

usually this twilight time – like the eye of

a storm – after the rush of the day, and

before the final burst of dinner, baths,

homework. It may only be 10 minutes

– time to hand water a few plants,

stock up the chooks, a quick game with

the kids after unloading the car. This

is the time when I feel grounded, in

the moment, connected to family and

place. This shot is of the fence leading

home, when walking back up from the

garden shed, in this magic twilight when

everything sparkles and life is good.

Carina Whittington

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I chose this photo because a lot of

Noongars went to this school and

would relate to it. The Noongars

helped build the foundations of the

school. This is the second site, the

first was at the Shire Depot.

sue Bennell

This is the Noongar church in

Brookton, the Calvary Presbyterian

Church. We’ve had a lot of

weddings and funerals in this little

church.

sue Bennell

My dear old Mum. Now 88 on a family picnic. Plenty to smile about.

anne Goldsmith

top photo - Sue Bennell; Bottom photo - Sue Bennellphoto - Anne Goldsmith

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This is the garden hose at the back

door. The electric pump pumps water

from the tank to the garden. The big

tank is on the hill.

coral hall

This is a regulator, which is pumping

water from the tank into the chlorination

plant. It is to do with the town water

supply which is a vital part of our life.

coral hall

Lake Norring. I liked the landscape at Lake Norring, and the curve of the

beach. I kept trying to take a photo as the water came up, but it would always

flow back before I could take it.

sophie williams

photo - Sophie Williams top photo - Coral Hall; Bottom photo - Coral Hall

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“Bouganvillea”. Floating in the pond at my house.

noelene olman

Sunset. Sitting at home. Doug saw pink reflection on the shed and said I should take a photo of the sunset. We raced

out the road so we could get the “Saddle back” hill.

Jenny windsor

photo - Jenny Windsor photo - Noelene Olman

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This is my husband having a

meal break. I like it because

it shows a typical farmer

eating on the run, looking at

the business mail and all the

weekly farm magazines and

journals to catch up on the

market trends, reports and

research before he dashes

out to the paddock again!

Jan eva

There are photos of my husband,

Andy Collard who has been dead

11 years, my nephew who has

been dead five years and photos

of my great-grannies, they live in

Melbourne so I don’t see them often.

Janet collard

The panda is in my bedroom, I won

it in the Albany show. I chose it as

my prize. I went with my nan, my

uncle and auntie and cousins. My

nan was looking after me.

haylee Mead

top photo - Janet Collard; Bottom photo - Haylee Mead top photo - Jan Eva; Bottom photo - Kristy Lee Brinkworth

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This is my dad. He’s got a fly on his nose, at Puntapin Rock. He grew up there, played heaps of football, and was

born there. He does sheep work. He takes me out to the bush hunting and stuff and we go out to chainsaw wood.

Xavier cole

photo - Lou Johnson photo - Xavier Cole

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This is my Grandfather, Ira Jetta. He is a well respected and well known Noongar Elder. This photo was taken at a

family BBQ at Pioneer Park (Pingelly). I see pop often as I go to Perth a lot or he comes to Pingelly to see his family.

Pop is a kind, generous and loving person who is loved by all his family.

Malcolm Jetta

photo - Malcolm Jetta photo - Juwan Storey

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top left photo - Lou Johnson; top right photo - Grace Merritt;

Bottom left photo - Haylee Mead; Bottom right photo - Tyrone Bennell

top photo - Haylee Mead; Bottom photo - Carina Whittington

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That’s one of my nan’s, an extended family sort of nan. I really adore her. She’s always nice and is a peaceful and

relaxed old lady. She’s really gentle with everyone. I see her about every second day for a visit at her house. I go out

for a visit after school.

Brandon Bennell

It’s me, I look like a gangsta. That’s all.

terry Jetta

photo - Terry Jetta photo - Brandon Bennell

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Bales of wool awaiting transport to sale. Will this be the end of an era?

sue and des pike

“Reaching out to say goodbye”.

My son and his wife were over

from Queensland at Christmas

time. This photo was taken

as I was taking them to the

airport. My grandson, Maui, is a

gorgeous boy.

Beryl Baljeu

top left & right photos - Malcolm Jetta ; Bottom photo - Beryl Baljeu top photo - Miriam Wright; Bottom photo - Sue and Des Pike

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I took this in broad daylight and I put the self timer on. I wore

my black jumper and put my hood on. It’s like calming and

relaxed to me. This is in our lounge room.

Brandon Bennell

Most of the family barrack for the

Eagles, I play footy but am not on a

team cos I moved around. I dream of

playing for them when I get older.

tyrone Bennell

These are made of clay, my mum made them and painted them. They

were a gift to my nana and pop. Mum lives in Mandurah, she visits me

on weekends.

tyrone Bennell

top photo - Tyrone Bennell;

Bottom left & right photo - Tyrone Bennell

photo - Brandon Bennell

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This was taken at the corporate bowls day. A day where people who normally don’t play bowls are included. This

photo shows Charlie. He is gorgeous. He is so fun loving. He is my nephew’s son. You can see my nephew and his

wife and her sister.

Judy williams

It’s a bird on a power line called a

parrot. It had all sorts of colours,

black, green, yellow and a blue

background. I was standing out

the front of my house.

haylee Mead

top photo - Haylee Mead; Bottom photo - Juwan Storey top photo - Judy Williams; Bottom left photo - Cherie Abednego;

Bottom Middle photo - Theresa Sancote; Bottom right photo - Theresa Sancote

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I like this photo because it captures a typical scene of how women get together to take care of all the catering needs

for community events. We enjoy teamwork and a few laughs and a few stresses, like food burning or not having

enough food!

Jan eva

I like this photo because it shows the humour and fun and serious competition involved in Brookton’s second

Triathlon, it was a ‘Virtual swim to Rotto’! My husband is ‘FIT’, Mark Gill is ‘FAT’ and Troy Baskett was pulled in

because he is ‘FAST’. These guys did serious training.

Judy williams

photo - Judy Williams photo - Jan Eva

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This is a map of the countries around Wagin. I’ve been

to Katanning, Narrogin, Dumbleyung Lake, Puntapin

Rock, Collie, and Brookton. I really want to go to Wave

Rock. My brother Jon teases me because he went

there when he was little.

Makisha edgill

top photo - Pam Williams; Bottom photo - Makisha Edgill top photo - Jan Eva;

Bottom left photo - Sue Bennell; Bottom right photo - Sue Bennell

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This is a gnaama hole, the Aborigines used to catch water for drinking. It’s out

on a farm in Brookton. The rocks were put there for the water to run down.

Janet collard

top left photo - Janet Collard;

Bottom left photo - Amanda Cook; Middle photo - Rita Ugle

top photo - Sue Bennell;

Bottom left photo - Juwan Storey; Bottom right photo - Pam Williams

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I like this photo because it is a natural photo of my wife

Sandra at home. I caught her out, she normally hides

from the camera.

Mark Johnson

This photo is of the ‘old’ Pumphries Bridge. This is a view of the Hotham River. The Pumphries Bridge area is where

Noongar families of the area first camped, hunted, gathered food, lived and worked. It is also where a lot of my uncles

and aunties first learned to swim.

Malcolm Jetta

photo - Malcolm Jetta photo - Mark Johnson

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photo - Tyrone Bennell top photo - Alice Wallam

Bottom photo - Alice Wallam

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My brother Jaleel with our nan Joan Hill. She isn’t related to us but we call her nan for respect and we love her just as

if she was our own Nan.

kaine olmanThis is my Dad and brother in a cave at Bojanning. My Dad used to go there when he was a kid, and he used to

go along a track that led to the dam with his friends when he was young. They rode their bikes on the track. When

they’d get to the dam they’d jump off their bikes into the water.

Xavier cole

photo - Xavier Cole photo - Kaine Olman

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Then there’s my family. My

husband died when he was 51

years old, and one of my three

sons died when he was 19

years old. It’s been very hard to

cope with; people say I should

leave the farm but I want to

stay close to the memories.

Beryl Baljeu

Our house and my special

fence, which I asked my

husband to build for me. He

was very good to me, he

was very generous. He was a

wonderful husband; I couldn’t

have got better.

Beryl Baljeu

Letter box and farm sign

entering our life

Beryl Baljeu

top photo - Beryl Baljeu; Bottom photo - Beryl Baljeu photo - Beryl Baljeu

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photo - Terry Cole photo - Cherie Abednego

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a c k n o w l e d G e M e n t s

Voices of the Wheatbelt was made possible through the input and participation of many local and perth based people who have generously lent their skills, creativity, time and commitment to this project.

our heartfelt thanks go out to:

the artists

Bo wong from Metaphoto for your photography expertise and role in co-facilitating the photography workshops.

tiffany ellis and the other facilitators from the film and television institute (fti) for your help developing and facilitating the filmmaking workshops.

sean Byford and andrew Britton for your amazing installation services with our photographic exhibitions in each town.

participants

thank you for generously sharing your story and experiences. May your Voices be heard from far and wide!

community representatives

Brookton

sue Bennell, elder, for your generous participation in the first workshop and for sharing your experiences and cultural knowledge in the second workshop.

Janet collard, elder, for your support and contribution to the project.

faye slater chairperson and the team at seabrook aboriginal corporation for the use of your building, promoting the workshops and your generous participation.

susan turner from the Brookton old time Motor show for helping to organise our Brookton exhibition.

pingelly

Malcolm Jetta chairperson of the pingelly aboriginal progress association for your participation, support and contribution to the project.

Janice Kickett for your generous participation in the first workshop and for sharing your experiences and cultural knowledge in the second workshop.

the team at the pingelly telecentre and pingelly times for warmly welcoming us and promoting our workshops.

dawn Box from the pingelly development association for helping with our exhibition, which had pride of location at the pingelly Market day.

wagin

Merlene Mead, elder, for your participation and generously allowing us to film your story.

terry cole for your participation and helping to promote the photography workshops to the wagin noongar community.

pam williams, elder and aeio, wagin district high school, for your support and contribution to the project.

robyn willie deputy principal, wagin district high school who put a lot of energy into making the workshops happen.

wendy pedrick and sally thompson for assisting with our exhibition at the wagin woolarama.

Bev & Brian at Buckingham’s Bed and Breakfast for making our stay in wagin warm and tasty.

narrogin

Murray riley and others from the kooraminning centre for your support and contribution to the project.

karen keeley and raylene kickett from c.Y. o’connor tafe for your support and contribution to the project.

rosalba Butterworth and erica Maguire from the narrogin District Education Office.

priscilla kickett from keedac narrogin for your insights and assistance with promoting the workshops.

heidi astbury from careers on track for your valuable insights and support.

shire representatives

carina whittington and Gary clark from the shire of Brookton.

donna cochran and Mick oliver from the shire of pingelly.

Mary silverman, Mike sully and Gary o’neil from the town of narrogin.

Geoff Mckeown from the shire of narrogin.

len calneggia from the shire of wagin.

the schools

Brookton district high school.

pingelly primary school.

narrogin senior high school.

wagin district high school.

project partners

daniel Balint and Graeme sward from the film and television Institute for your support developing the filmmaking workshops.

Major funding partner

department of families, housing, community services and indigenous affairs and special thanks to Uta conway, for her ongoing support and advice.

the Bus drivers

arthur slater for showing us around Brookton and the seabrook farm.

daniel turvey for showing us around pingelly.

leonie nicholls and the drivers from nicholls Bus and coach services, for showing us around narrogin.

arthur pedrick for showing us around wagin.

sponsors

alf rebola the Good Guys o’connor for generously reducing the price of cameras, camera cases and memory cards.

anthony pittaway, paperlinks australia for paper sponsorship.

the team at can wa

the coordination of this project and the pulling together of this publication was without a doubt a team effort! everyone in the organisation contributed in one way or another. we would particularly like to thank andrea hammond for the amazing heart and spirit you put into assisting establish the project; and Geri hayden, ross storey and sonia kickett from the Southern Wheatbelt office, who provided so much on the ground support and played a pivotal role in this project. special thanks goes to Michael atkinson for pulling together this publication and coordinating the project.

we would also like to acknowledge nicola davison who assisted with the coordination and facilitation of the photography workshops; ivy penny for sharing her wisdom and experiences gained from coordinating the first phase of the project; rebecca speidel for her assistance in managing the marketing and communications of the project and pilar kasat, can wa’s Managing director for her continued support, leadership and creative thinking throughout the evolution of this project.

there are many people we have not individually mentioned but please let us acknowledge that this project would not have been possible without the generous support of people who are very committed to seeing their community thrive and celebrate its local identity.

photo - Lou Johnson

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p a r t i c i p a n t s

filMMakinG

Brookton

arthur slater

George Maguire

Geri hayden

narrogin

Betty Ugle

dianne culbong

hannah cupples

kaine riley

kamiesha thorne

kellie hancock

Marina abraham

noelene olman

revel kickett

ross storey

sian Ugle

tasmyn olman

Juwan storey

kyle Mead

wagin

Brodie wallam

cedric cole

haylee Mead

Merlene Mead

renee Unghango

terry cole

tyrone cole

wilfred williams

Xavier cole

photoGraphY

Brookton

amanda cook

arthur slater

Beryl stephenson

Bradley Bennell

Brandon Bennell

Breanna Brinkworth

carina whittington

chermia cook

coral hall

des pike

drew whittington

George pitman

hallee collard

Jan eva

Janet collard

Jenai collard

Judy williams

kristy lee Brinkworth

Maddison collard

Max Brinkworth

Meg whittington

Miriam wright

phil collard

phoebe collard

shane cook

sue Bennell

sue pike

theresa sancote

tyrone Bennell

pingelly

alan peachment

anne Goldsmith

Beryl Baljeu

carolyn shannon

cheryle lee

cynthia fuller

daniel turvey

donna humphreys

James Matthews

Janice kickett

Jenny windsor

kieth Boyce

kristy callow-Jetta

lisa Boyce

lou Johnson

Malcolm Jetta

Matthew wallam

pat o’brien

roberta kickett

rose Marie flendt

sandra Johnson

tiara Jetta

violet winmar

wolf flendt

narrogin

cherie abednego

Gillian riley

Grace Merritt

Juwan storey

kaine riley

Megan turvey

Murray riley

noelene olman

rita Ugle

ross storey

senema kickett

sonia kickett

wagin

alice wallam

Brodie wallam

cedric cole

elvie wallam

hannah George

haylee Mead

Jack cole

James Mead

Jason winmar

Jaydon winmar

Jeffery turvey

Makisha edgill

pam williams

renee spratt

roseshai Ugle

sharon williams

sophie williams

terry cole

terry Jetta

trudi spratt

tyrone cole

Xavier cole

thank YoU to all oUr participants

Photos of filmmaking workshops courtesy CAN WA.

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community arts network wa

community arts network western australia ltd. is the peak body for community arts and cultural development in western australia. our vision is for a future where culture, creativity and the arts are known to be essential for community wellbeing and are at the core of a just, diverse and resilient society. we are inspired by the values of cultural diversity and creativity, respect of all people, culture and the environment, social justice, creativity and resilience.

our role is to

inspire and mobilise western australian communities to explore, express and grow their unique and local culture;

facilitate and promote participation and engagement in community arts and cultural development for community wellbeing;

actively engage in partnership development to facilitate and support community-determined arts and culture activities and

promote the value of cultural diversity and creativity.

www.canwa.com.au

www.voices.canwa.com.au

v o i c e s o f t h e w h e at B e ltOUR PLACE, OUR STORIES

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