The table may be laid out with craft, cookery or games, but the Wanaruah Local Aboriginal Lands Council Elders Group is an important outlet for members of the community.
“They don’t have to participate in this, they can just come and sit and have a yarn and a cuppa and go with that,” Aunty Jean Hands said of the laid-back nature of the group.
“Our Elders Group is open to men as well as women because I found that the men were getting left out.”
With respect to culture or personal preference, if a topic arises that is just for men to discuss then the women will leave them to it, and vice versa.
“It’s just a place where we can all come and if we want to talk we talk and if we don’t we don’t, we can just sit and be silly and it’s just somewhere to come and have a cuppa and be together,” Aunty Jean shared.
Each fortnight there are different activities, from bingo and craft to excursions around the area to get out and about.
Any elders in the community are welcome to attend, the group meets from around 10.30am to 1.30pm at the Lands Council, 19 Maitland Street Muswellbrook.
Call the office on 6543 1288 for any further information.
