Aunties film met with pride and sadness

The premiere of the film Aunties of Mingaletta at Umina Beach during Naidoc Week in July was greeted with pride and sadness, according to organisers.

The Mingaletta hall was packed with standing room only for the film about seven women elders who revealed their struggles through the Stolen Generation, domestic violence, rapes and other tragedies.

The film revealed the seven elders found strength together when they formed a support group, Sisters Together, that met at the Mingaletta hall.

Mingaletta chief executive Ms Dianne O'Brien, one of the women featured in the film, said the feedback after the film was fantastic.

"The feedback was how strong the sisters are and the great work that I had done in Mingaletta,'' Ms O'Brien said.

"I felt the film showed these sisters together and showed how they have been so active in the community. It was amazing.''

The film was commissioned following a Central Coast Council grant to the group.

Ms O'Brien said she wa sad listening to some of the stories.

"People do hide things away and it is too hard to talk about, but the film showed how these women went through hell and back and came out okay,'' she said.

"It showed the health and well-being of this group.

"I am proud to have founded the Sisters Together and how they have followed my lead.

"They have become strong and educators in their culture and within themselves."

The Mingaletta Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation has held Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Training, covering barriers to accessing services, how to encourage aboriginal people to self-identify; history, and ways of working together.

SOURCE

Flyer, 12 Jul 2019

Media statement, 18 Jul 2019

Dianne O'Brien, Mingaletta ATSIC