NSW Seniors Week is coming to Campbelltown today with the launch of a collection of oral histories from Aboriginal men in the Campbelltown area.
NSW Minister for Ageing, Kristina Keneally, will be joined at the launch by Member for Campbelltown, Graham West at the Campbelltown Performing Arts Centre to launch My Father, My Brother; Stories of Campbelltown’s Aboriginal Men
"This is part of a community cultural development project undertaken by the Campbelltown City Council in partnership with the Aboriginal community of Campbelltown and funded by the NSW Government," Ms Keneally said.
"Tell Me My Mother: Stories of Campbelltown’s Aboriginal Women was launched late last year, and today’s event celebrates the second instalment in that project.
"The two projects combined allowed for over 120 older Aboriginal men and women to have their life stories recorded."
Ms Keneally said the projects aimed to promote learning, respect and understanding between Aboriginal men and women aged 45 years and older who live, work or use services in the Campbelltown area and young people.
"The stories will also be used in visual arts life story workshops, exhibitions of art works and associated community gatherings as well as the adaptation of the life stories into play and radio scripts by Campbelltown Performing Arts High School," Ms Keneally said.
Mr West said this project provides an opportunity for the community to acknowledge the positive contribution and relevance that older people can have in the lives of younger generations.
"The two Campbelltown Intergenerational projects demonstrate how, with a bit of creativity, older generations can share their life experiences with young people," Mr West said.
"The NSW Government is proud to fund this important project and I would like to commend Campbelltown City Council, its Arts Centre and the Aboriginal community for this publication."
Mayor of Campbelltown, Councillor Aaron Rule said My Father, My Brother; Stories of Campbelltown’s Aboriginal Men thanked all those who have generously given their time and permission for their stories to be told.
"This will be an important resource for the community, particularly for younger and future generations," Cr Rule said.