Last Friday, Imagined Futures partners came together to host our fourth connecting Aboriginal children in care event.

The purpose of these events is to deepen connections to sources of enduring natural support – family and culture. To do this, a feature of these events is that they are held regularly so that connections can be built upon over time.

These events are part of a broader project that was conceived by Aboriginal Practice Leads and the Cultural Committee from the Fremantle District child protection office, @Department of Communities. Their staff are the heart of these days and the project leverages off their expertise and relationships with children, carers, and families.

The Imagined Futures partnership then provides an organising mechanism which brings the Department together with a wide range of stakeholders and community members. This enables everyone to identify opportunities to contribute their resources and knowledge toward achieving a coordinated approach to a common goal – enhanced connection to sources of strength for Aboriginal children in care – family, community, and culture.

This time around it was City of Cockburn’s turn to host. Their Len Packham facility provided a great combination of access to a sports oval while also being able to get some respite from the heat inside.

Stephen Michael Foundation Ltd. once again generously provided four wonderful staff to teach and play a range of traditional cultural games with the children. The staff are fabulous role models and the children loved playing the games, with many saying it was their favourite part of the day.

Neami National’s suicide prevention coordinators have been involved with this project since the beginning. Their support has ranged from providing funding for most of the first event, to ongoing provision of carers packs and contributions to the children’s goody bags, as well as being present at every event to help out.

Much respected local Elder and member of the Imagined Futures Leadership Group Dr Gerrard Shaw provided the Welcome to Country. And, once again All Good Grub put on a great lunch inspired by traditional Aboriginal flavours.

Students from The Studio School designed and printed the goody bags, a student from St Hilda’s sewed 30 bean bags to include, with another wonderful community member sewing the remaining 20. The State Library donated books. And, the event was part funded by philanthropic donations.

It takes many threads to weave a blanket!