Stakeholders in Aurukun, including the council and PCYC, united to celebrate Wik Women’s Week at a range of community events over the past 10 days. Photo: Facebook.
The Aurukun community has united to recognise the contributions of grandmothers, mothers, aunties and daughters during Wik Women’s Week.
The week-long celebration was held to coincide with Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, and began with a family day on 19 May hosted by Aurukun Shire Council at the community splash park.
Koolkan Aurukun State School hosted an arts and crafts afternoon tea on 20 May, with a delicious spread provided by the school’s secondary students.
Remote Area Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Care continued the celebration on 22 May with an open day at the Ma’aathan Women’s Shelter, before the council opened the doors at the Chivaree aged care facility later in the week to hold a memorial luncheon recognising a number of recent passings in the community, and the Sorry Business currently affecting many families.
PCYC Aurukun also contributed to Wik Women’s Week by facilitating a number of events across the month of May, including family and domestic violence information sessions, and a pampering night.
Aurukun Councillor Leona Yunkaporta said the week had provided the community with an opportunity to celebrate the contribution of women in Aurukun, as well as provide a clear message that domestic and family violence would not be tolerated.
“Wik Women’s Week is a celebration of the women and families in our community,” she said.
“Domestic and family violence will not be tolerated in Aurukun; violence and control are not part of a healthy relationship, and help is available to those wanting to escape a violent situation.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home and community.”
Wik Women’s Week will conclude on 29 May with a community march and candlelight vigil at PCYC Aurukun.
Aurukun Shire Council’s Chivaree aged care facility hosted a luncheon on 23 May that acknowledged the number of recent passings and Sorry Business currently impacting the community. Photo: Supplied.
