Latest news with #AshaBhat
West Australian
27-05-2025
- General
- West Australian
Stolen Generation symposium hears truth telling is key to community moving forward as Aboriginal allies
A panel of Aboriginal elders gave emotional accounts of their experiences as members of the Stolen Generation at a National Sorry Day symposium at Albany Entertainment Centre on Monday. The event was staged by the Southern Aboriginal Corporation and the Great Southern Aboriginal Health Service and attracted a wide audience of community members, Aboriginal elders and stakeholders. SAC chief executive Asha Bhat said the aim of the event was to acknowledge the courage of the Stolen Generations, their pain and their resilience. 'This event is a safe space, it's about truth telling and healing and the elders sharing their lived experiences. 'For the wider community, it's about listening, learning and standing in solidarity with Aboriginal people. 'Reconciliation starts with truth telling, so we must acknowledge and come together without forgetting about the history. 'The overwhelming presence of those at the event shows reconciliation is not too far away and that we can all walk alongside the Aboriginal people as allies.' Panellists Gary Ryder, and brothers Timothy and Ezzard Flowers had been taken to the Carrolup Settlement, later known as Marribank, near Katanning, as children. They explained that conditions there were harsh but it was the separation from their families at such a young age that meant eventual reunifications were made even more difficult. Ezzard had been taken there when he was just two years old, after his father died. 'It was difficult to reconnect with home, with country, with family and with those who were no longer there,' he said. 'They were terrifying times.' His brother Timothy said it was time to move forward. 'Sharing stories is part of the healing process,' he said. 'We came through that challenge on our own, as children. 'But now we can move forward together because walking together is better than walking alone.'
West Australian
14-05-2025
- West Australian
Albany residents and workers gather for solemn National Family Violence Remembrance Day candlelight vigil
Southern Aboriginal Corporation hosted its inaugural candlelight vigil at Alison Hartman Gardens last week to mark National Family Violence Remembrance Day, drawing a crowd to honour survivors. Candles were lit and placed around the perimeter of the gardens on the night of May 7, as about 70 people gathered in the fading light in the middle of Albany to honour both survivors and those who have lost their lives to violence. Albany residents of all ages attended, as well as representatives of the region's support workers, agencies and police force. National Family Violence Remembrance Day is held annually during domestic violence prevention month and aims to remember those who have lost their lives to family and domestic violence, raise awareness of the issue around the country, and acknowledge people within communities who work to support survivors. Southern Aboriginal Corporation chief executive officer Asha Bhat said attendees were reminded of the 'deep and ongoing impact' of family violence. 'There was a deep sense of reflection and unity,' she said. 'It was a solemn and emotional gathering, but also one filled with compassion and quiet strength. 'You could feel the shared understanding in the silence — people came with open hearts to honour those we've lost and to stand with those still living with the impacts of family and domestic violence.' She said the gathering was also a call to action to speak out about violence, hear survivors' stories with compassion, and to continue working for a world without domestic violence. 'Creating a moment of public acknowledgement is powerful,' she said. 'It sends the message that we see them, we hear them, and we're committed to change. 'Our hope is that this gathering encouraged greater empathy, awareness and a shared responsibility to prevent violence in all its forms.'
West Australian
02-05-2025
- West Australian
SAC hosts inaugural candlelit vigil to honour and give hope on National Family Violence Remembrance Day
Victims and survivors of family violence in Albany will be honoured in a touching candlelit vigil on Wednesday in an effort to shed light on the cycle of violence that plagues the community. The event, hosted by the Southern Aboriginal Corporation, is the first of its kind in Albany and mimics the Perth event held each year on May 7 to mark National Family Violence Remembrance Day. SAC chief executive Asha Bhat said she hoped the vigil served as an expression of collective grief, compassion and responsibility. 'Each candle lit tells a story,' she said. 'It speaks to lives lost too soon, and the urgent need to break the cycle of violence. 'Through the Family Violence Prevention Legal Service, we offer culturally safe legal support and trauma-informed counselling to Aboriginal women and children. 'We walk alongside them during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. 'This vigil is about honouring those we've lost, standing with those who survive, and recommitting to the work we must do — together — to ensure women and children can live free from fear.' Pamela Watts, who is a trauma counsellor for the SAC-backed FVPLS, said the vigil offered a 'deeply needed' moment of reflection. 'Family and domestic violence touches every corner of our society,' she said. 'It leaves behind silence, pain and sorrow. 'But when we gather like this, we create space to remember, to support and to say 'enough'. 'These candles are more than light — they are symbols of healing, love, strength and a future we must keep working for.' The vigil will be held at Alison Hartman Gardens at 6pm on May 7. Attendees are asked to bring battery-operated candles or tealights as no naked flames are permitted. If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.
