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A REPORT ON THE
ABORIGINAL WOMEN'S HEALING HOUSE THE SETTING UP OF
THE HEALING HOUSE The Aboriginal Women's Healing House at Picton is an outreach of the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry of the Archdiocese of Sydney. In consultation with the Archdiocese we began to discuss the possibility of selling the property at Forbes St. Newtown, and buying something more suitable. Father Brian Lucas, on behalf of Cardinal Clancy, and Bishop Peter Ingham gave their full support, saying go and find the property of your Dreams. At the same time arrangements were made for the sale of the property in Newtown. Meanwhile Brenda McDonnell and myself, assisted at times by Fr Frank Fletcher and a couple of the Committee Members began to search widely for a suitable property. Eventually we found one at Picton, in a beautiful setting on the top of the Razorback Range. We were able to inform the Archdiocese that I had found the property of our Dreams. In due course the Razorback property was purchased with some of the funds from the sale of the Newtown house. This property had the proper bush setting, trees, water, rolling hills, bird life and there was there a great feeling of Aboriginal Spirituality. It had a large two story homestead and a cottage as well as sheds, and 5 acres of beautiful grounds. THE SETTING UP OF THE HEALING HOUSE As you all know, at the time of the setting up of the AWHH I was seconded by the Sisters of St Joseph for 6 month to help them evaluate their work of ministry with Aboriginal people across the Australian Continent. In my absence Brenda McDonnell assumed responsibility at this time for setting up the Healing House, along with taking responsibility for the maintenance and finances of the new property. The house at Forbes St Newtown was sold and the furniture, and office equipment was moved to Picton. While I was away Brenda McDonnell took my place as Coordinator of the ACM at Erskineville for three days a week, and she worked at the Healing House for the other days. The property had been used as a wholesale nursery, and thousands of potted plants and trees had to be moved off. A pump had to be installed to supply water for the grounds; the grounds had become somewhat overgrown, and the whole area cleaned up and landscaped. The house had to be painted; the bedrooms and other rooms had to be furnished. The kitchen too had to be set up appropriate to the demands of supplying meals for large numbers. Some items had to be purchased, and some were donated Religious Orders and families. Brenda worked alone during this time. It was hard work and at times very frustrating and lonely, but in the end it was a wonderful result; the grounds were beautiful for opening day, and the furnishings of the house which were selected with great care were both tasteful and functional. Many remarks were made to this effect on opening day, by people who came to see it all for the first time. What we are hoping to achieve for Koori women is quite unique and I believe has not been addressed by other healing places. Our gatherings allow the everyday person to speak out and be heard, this is allowing us to collectively assess our real needs, our inner pain and our helplessness in a workable way. The A.W.H.H. is located on the Razorback Ranges and is surrounded by beautiful trees, with amazing bird life. The tranquility of the house and gardens allows oneself to get in touch with "Mother Nature". Taking into consideration the grass roots Koori women have limited money and find it difficult to pay the full cost of accommodation and workshops. Their bookings always take priority over other bodies who are able to pay for the use of the premises. Since the establishment I have now a better understanding of how the whole program can work. Because the Healing House has limited funding it is imperative that we use these premises for other ways too which can generate income. This is already happening. The house is available for and does offer retreats, facilitates workshops and meetings. Aboriginal organizations (Government bodies) have used these facilities for purposes such as planning meetings, training, and stress management. Aboriginal Elders have used the property for "get-togethers". We are arranging for Youth groups both Aboriginal and non Aboriginal to use it. Since March 2000 we have welcomed Koori Women from areas such as: Taree, Nambucca Heads, Tamworth, Coonabarabran, Moree, Wreck Bay, Woollongong, Narooma, Western Suburbs Redfern, La Perouse, Liverpool, Bankstown. Through Father Peter Carroll it is envisaged that his group along with an Aboriginal group leader that this property and our resources will provide great leadership and pastrol care for the youth - reconciliation. Further discussions will be held with Father Peter, Brenda McDonnell, Father Joe and myself with regard to some planning and future directions. This will happen in the very near future. We have a good relationship with local Aboriginal Organizations. The Tharawal Land Council at Picton have provided me with 2 staff, one female and one male for 1 day per week at no cost to the Healing House. The young man's duties are ground maintenance and the young lady will assist with office duties and other duties as required. We now have a cleaner 1 day per week. All these support systems will enable me to cope without all of the added stress and isolation. Father Joe Kelly, Brenda and myself did have a team meeting recently. This meeting was one of the most positive meetings for me for quite some time. We put together a planner and looked at ways of providing this Healing House with support. I now have a Admin Secretary for 2 days a week. This position enables us to plan and forward letters to Catholic Colleges, Government Bodies, Aboriginal Organizations and Aboriginal women. Final Note: Earlier this year I was away working with Aboriginal women at Armidale and outlying areas taking them on a journey of healing. Funds were given to our Healing House for this work. My work in Armidale was of no expense to the Healing House, but it took the work of Healing to where the people were. Previously I had been hoping that the Armidale women would be able to come to Picton, and in fact they did book in, but it was difficult for them to travel so far because of family and children, and other commitments. |
The
Healing House is a development of the work I was doing at a house
owned by the Sydney Archdiocese in Forbes St. Newtown. I began this
work because I could see the great need for the Healing of the Pain
and Hurt carried by the Women of the Stolen Generation. I began
this work in Forbes Street, but I felt this was only a start; the
house was too small, the urban setting was unsuitable, and we were
only touching the surface of what Healing should be. My Dream was
to set up an Aboriginal Women's Healing House located somewhere
in the bush. With the help of Sister Jenny Gilligan I gathered together
a team of religious from various orders to form a Support Committee.
This committee also included Father Frank Fletcher and Bishop Peter
Ingham. They met together regularly at the Newtown house to give
me some support and discuss our future direction. 
This
property was purchased in June 1999. From that time until the Official
Opening by Bishop Peter Ingham and Charlie Perkins on the 11th of
March 2000. Brenda McDonnell worked tirelessly to prepare the property
for the opening, and for its future use as a Women's Healing Center.
This involved painting the house, furnishing it, equipping the kitchen,
and landscaping the grounds. 
The
Healing House gives us the appropriate environment for our people.
It is a place where we can share our pain, share experiences, address
our stress and how it effects our body spirit, soul and mind and
especially our relationships and reclaim our stories or just yarn.
The Healing House is a place for relaxation, meditation, reiki massage,
spirituality, arts and crafts. It is a place for women to come together
to share, create and be supported. 
