WITH a hand full of flax and a box full of rocks, talented Gamilaroi Elder Dolly Jerome kept several hundred Merriwa residents thoroughly entertained last week.
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Aunty Dolly and her husband Paul travelled from Tenterfield to facilitate a series of weaving and ochre painting workshops as part of NAIDOC week celebrations in Merriwa.
Students from Merriwa Central School, Cassilis Public School, Merriwa Pre-School and St Joseph’s Merriwa Primary School took part in the workshops followed by a visit with residents at Gummun Place Hostel.
The Merriwa visit was a joint initiative of Arts Upper Hunter, Wanaruah Land Council and the Upper Hunter Shire Council.
Upper Hunter Shire Council Community Services Officer Tash Taaffe said it was wonderful for all the schools and preschools to have the opportunity to experience the visit of Aunty Dolly.
“The benefits were far reaching for young and old,” she said.
Aunty Dolly said she enjoyed sharing her culture with the children.
“For many children in rural areas like Merriwa, this is their first experience with an Aboriginal person,” Aunty Dolly said.
“I want that experience to be something positive.
“Part of our culture as an Aboriginal woman, is to share, care and teach.
"As Elders we teach the younger generation, but I am also a learner and learn from my Elders.
“I try to share my knowledge with anyone who genuinely wants to learn about Aboriginal culture.
“Black or white, young or old it doesn’t matter – as long as you have an open mind and really want to learn,” she said.