Women from Canberra, Mudgee, Albury, Orange and Cowra collected reeds, grasses and matt-rush from along the Lachlan River and wove string used for cultural practices including fishnets, baskets and dilly bags.

During Harry Wedge's welcome in Wiradjuri language, he reminded us all of the importance of Yindyamarra Yambuwan (respecting everything) whilst collecting plant material on the banks of the Galari (Lachlan River).

The weaving and string making sessions began with a stroll beside property Bila-Galari talking and collecting reeds, grasses and matt-rush.

A riverside meander led by Aunty Helen Worsley from the Orange Fibre Artists Group, identified different types of sedges, rushes, grasses, vines, reeds and harvesting techniques which have been used in cultural practice for centuries.

The yarning circle sat below giant casuarina trees to prepare the gathered plants for weaving. Buckets of water keep the materials wet and flexible for stretching and weaving. When the string is long enough the weaving begins; culminating in the weaving circle becoming a yarning circle where techniques are shared and the stories flow.

This event builds on the success of renewed regional weaving and yarning circles.

"We look after each other both physically and mentally through the sharing and revival of culture," said Aunty Helen Worsley. "What we have been doing with the weaving is reconnecting cultural or traditional weaving and dying practices with the land and the river system to both inform management and revive culture."

Aunty Helen and Claudette from Orange Fibre Artists organised the event with Cowra-based environmental water manager Jo Lenehan from the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) and project manager Phoebe Cowdery from the CORRIDOR project.

The weaving weekend was partly funded through the Bundaburrah Creek Dabu Yarra Muran Project, the proud recipient of the inaugural Aboriginal Fishing Trust Fund. The Project is a partnership between LachLandcare, the Forbes Aboriginal and Community Working Group, the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) and Commonwealth's Monitoring, Evaluation and Research (MER) Project, Orange Fibre Artists Group Inc., Wiradyuri Dreaming Centre, Lake Cowal Foundation, Sharing and Learning, and the CORRIDOR Project. Support for the boomerang bags - Inspiring Australia.

In the words of Wiradjuri elder Pastor Cecil Grant, "look after the land and the rivers, then the land and the rivers will look after you!"

The cultural package can be purchased at https://sharingandlearning.com.au/shop/

You can find lots more local and regional arts events at artsoutwest.org.au