Last week RAC hosted Artist Aly de Groot for a School Holidays activity of Beach Debris Weaving Workshops. The Workshops ran over three days with a different focus each day.
On the first day, Tuesday 5th October, Aly taught the participants how to create a jellyfish using the rope debris and recycled t-shirt yarn. The second day focused on the ghost net sourced from Middle Beach in Yirrkala. Participants were supported by Aly to make bags, hats, hanging plant holders and more. Thursday 7th October was unfortunately the last day of the workshop but was arguably the most creative, with people using their weaving skills theyโd developed from the past two days towards making turtles of all sizes. The creation of turtles was significant as they are an important animal for the Rirratjingu clan who are traditional owners of the Yirrkala and Nhulunbuy areas.
RAC are appreciative of the support Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation (ALPA) provided the project; a workspace, catering, transportation for participants and sourcing beach debris through the Dhimurru Rangers.
RAC would also like to thank the Northern Territory Government for funding the project through the Gove Peninsular Youth Activities 2020 โ 2022 Program.
The project generated a lot of interest within the community and was strongly endorsed by Elders. RAC were approached by ABC Radio Darwin and Aly de Groot was interviewed live on air at the conclusion of the workshops.
Overall, considering the positive feedback from the community, the effective collaboration with other service providers, and the successful engagement with the children and young adults throughout the three days, RAC conclude the workshops were a success and are excited for how the project can evolve going into the future.
