January workshops began in a whirlpool, as we discovered the day before there was work to be done
on the hall we were working in, The entrance was blocked, in a mad flully women hung home made flags
around the new temporary entrance so women could find there way in.
kev carnoby blared from the stereo, there was colour, paint laughter, music, kids playing ball and women cooking/,
Beautiful creative, colorful chaos. We were too emerged and busy to take many photos.
Gwen Egg with her easy charm took charge and we all learnt new things, with Julie Munro-alison,
working quietly in the background, supporting those that needed extra help.
The amazing annie beecroft was whever she was needed.
Ankarah supported women experiencing visa and housing difficulties, and sang to us all and taught us songs!
Refugee women, told us stories of their homeland and families and found pictures of their homeland
australians had given them of their home towns before their homes were destroyed by war, to share with us, Australian women talked about their damaged teenagers from violence on the mainland.
hard, painful stories were shared, loved ones lost, uncertain visas loneliness, difficulty with housing., with our heads down we made string from old bits of cloth with the laughter of children echoing around us.
ankarah taught us songs and together we sang,
addresses and ph nos were swapped.
women taught women to drive
helped with moving house
organised picnics
supported each other with english
and loved the children
there was women there from finland, germany, many parts of africa, srilanka, mexico,
many parts of australia, many with boat people ancestory.
Friday, January 2, 2015
Saturday, July 5, 2014
From Waste To Wonderful January 2014
Welcome to From Waste to Wonderful 2014 - This entry has been a long time in the making, sorry for the delay!
Here are some thoughts from the women who make these workshops possible and those who attend. It seems there are amazing and inspiring things transpiring for all the women involved in this project.
"From Waste To Wonderful is the fruition of an idea of an assimilation project between our community and the refugee community and low income women. Annie has been a great back up for this, and Rosi as well, so the three of us have been working for a couple of years now just running different workshops, which have been great. Sometimes it can be a bit crazy, a bit mad, and a bit nutty! But good things seem to happen and people seem to come back. We've had the pleasure of having Gwen on board which has been great. Gwen has just done a great job of operating within a place where there's no boundaries, not a lot of rules. Hannah was great too, she was amazing she jumped into Gay's role when she got sick. Everyone just works together as a team and its great.
The ultimate aim of this is for the women to have ownership of it and to make it more of a collective and different people to have the freedom to run workshops or organise things. This project is not only for refugee women its for any women, including low income women, and that is a big part of the project; to link community and create opportunity for people to meet up learn skills that they can use and make friends with people from other parts of the world that they might not otherwise get the opportunity to meet. To share stories".
- Tess
"I'm basically Tess's assistant! She's been the brains behind the project and I've been interested because of our connection through Art From Trash. Last year for Art From Trash we had a group entry from women who had made things at previous workshops. I've just been Tess's sidekick and bringing whatever skills I've got to the mix. I've also learned new skills. You can always learn something because people do things in different ways and different styles. I enjoy the sense of connectedness, and learning that we have more in common than not. I find joy in watching women become more confident as skills increase. I feel this is an exercise in confidence building in the community. I like to see sometimes women leave children with friends so they can come along alone and practice with and learning new skills. I find a richness of experience".
- Annie
"I was aware of these workshops and then I was invited to be the artist for this set of workshops and decided to do some screen printing, as a way of getting everybody to work together because it would be something new. Its had mixed success, quite ambitious to do something like that in this environment, but some of the women got it really fast and they were just like me when I first learned it, just making heaps of copies which was great. In the second week we did some discharge dying as well because I thought that would be an interesting way to add layers of pattern to the cloth that's come from resource. It got pretty chaotic with both things going at once! But anyway we'll learn from that!
I think its a lovely project and really important. There are lots and lots of things going on in the background, friendships being forged or people learning about how to survive here and that has been really valuable. I'm not sure if I'll come back as an artist but I'm quite keen to come back as a volunteer! And follow up on the screen printing just in a quiet way along with other things happening. I hope that happens because I'd really like to re-connect with the project and some of the people involved.
I learn a lot from the newly arrived women. I would like to be able to right some of the wrongs our government has inflicted on these women. I haven't travelled much so this has been great to learn about other cultures".
- Gwen
"I love being involved with From Waste To Wonderful because of the connection and friendships developing amongst Australian and newly arrived women. Sharing skills, mentoring, "a sense of we", togetherness. Hearing women's English language improve. The child friendly atmosphere and sharing meals. A richness of energy!
- Ankarah
"Today 30th January and the last sessions for second workshop with Tess and other friends. I think I am very lucky to be familiar with this group.
I am a person and asylum seeker, Tasmania is a new hometown for me. This workshop gives me a chance to find new friendships and it is a big opportunity for me. I am thankful to Tess and her group.
I hope this workshop continues in the future and I wish this group, especially Tess, Gwen, Annie, Ancara and Rosi and others good health".
- Homyra.
"It was a privilege to prepare a table of food from the dishes and ingredients provided by the group, and a pleasure to see women working creatively with the recycled textiles.
Lunch was a time to share food and listen to the gentle conversation. I enjoyed most the string making workshop.
Working amongst others I find the most pleasurable - and easiest - way of meeting and learning about others".
- Julie
"I like coming because of friendship, learning new skills people share and practising English".
- Hamida
"I love learning new crafts, sewing, talking english and making friends".
- Uba
"This workshop for me provides connection, exchange language, skills, life experience, building friendships"
- Catherine.
Here are some thoughts from the women who make these workshops possible and those who attend. It seems there are amazing and inspiring things transpiring for all the women involved in this project.
"From Waste To Wonderful is the fruition of an idea of an assimilation project between our community and the refugee community and low income women. Annie has been a great back up for this, and Rosi as well, so the three of us have been working for a couple of years now just running different workshops, which have been great. Sometimes it can be a bit crazy, a bit mad, and a bit nutty! But good things seem to happen and people seem to come back. We've had the pleasure of having Gwen on board which has been great. Gwen has just done a great job of operating within a place where there's no boundaries, not a lot of rules. Hannah was great too, she was amazing she jumped into Gay's role when she got sick. Everyone just works together as a team and its great.
The ultimate aim of this is for the women to have ownership of it and to make it more of a collective and different people to have the freedom to run workshops or organise things. This project is not only for refugee women its for any women, including low income women, and that is a big part of the project; to link community and create opportunity for people to meet up learn skills that they can use and make friends with people from other parts of the world that they might not otherwise get the opportunity to meet. To share stories".
- Tess
 |
| Tess the Gwen |
"I'm basically Tess's assistant! She's been the brains behind the project and I've been interested because of our connection through Art From Trash. Last year for Art From Trash we had a group entry from women who had made things at previous workshops. I've just been Tess's sidekick and bringing whatever skills I've got to the mix. I've also learned new skills. You can always learn something because people do things in different ways and different styles. I enjoy the sense of connectedness, and learning that we have more in common than not. I find joy in watching women become more confident as skills increase. I feel this is an exercise in confidence building in the community. I like to see sometimes women leave children with friends so they can come along alone and practice with and learning new skills. I find a richness of experience".
- Annie
"I was aware of these workshops and then I was invited to be the artist for this set of workshops and decided to do some screen printing, as a way of getting everybody to work together because it would be something new. Its had mixed success, quite ambitious to do something like that in this environment, but some of the women got it really fast and they were just like me when I first learned it, just making heaps of copies which was great. In the second week we did some discharge dying as well because I thought that would be an interesting way to add layers of pattern to the cloth that's come from resource. It got pretty chaotic with both things going at once! But anyway we'll learn from that!
I think its a lovely project and really important. There are lots and lots of things going on in the background, friendships being forged or people learning about how to survive here and that has been really valuable. I'm not sure if I'll come back as an artist but I'm quite keen to come back as a volunteer! And follow up on the screen printing just in a quiet way along with other things happening. I hope that happens because I'd really like to re-connect with the project and some of the people involved.
I learn a lot from the newly arrived women. I would like to be able to right some of the wrongs our government has inflicted on these women. I haven't travelled much so this has been great to learn about other cultures".
- Gwen
"I love being involved with From Waste To Wonderful because of the connection and friendships developing amongst Australian and newly arrived women. Sharing skills, mentoring, "a sense of we", togetherness. Hearing women's English language improve. The child friendly atmosphere and sharing meals. A richness of energy!
- Ankarah
"Today 30th January and the last sessions for second workshop with Tess and other friends. I think I am very lucky to be familiar with this group.
I am a person and asylum seeker, Tasmania is a new hometown for me. This workshop gives me a chance to find new friendships and it is a big opportunity for me. I am thankful to Tess and her group.
I hope this workshop continues in the future and I wish this group, especially Tess, Gwen, Annie, Ancara and Rosi and others good health".
- Homyra.
"It was a privilege to prepare a table of food from the dishes and ingredients provided by the group, and a pleasure to see women working creatively with the recycled textiles.
Lunch was a time to share food and listen to the gentle conversation. I enjoyed most the string making workshop.
Working amongst others I find the most pleasurable - and easiest - way of meeting and learning about others".
- Julie
"I like coming because of friendship, learning new skills people share and practising English".
- Hamida
"I love learning new crafts, sewing, talking english and making friends".
- Uba
"This workshop for me provides connection, exchange language, skills, life experience, building friendships"
- Catherine.
Monday, December 16, 2013
From Waste to Wonderful December 6th 2013
Welcome to the last From Waste to Wonderful workshop for 2013.
Today was bittersweet, enjoying our time together, feeling fulfilled and proud to have completed some beautiful creations while feeling somewhat sad that it would be our last workshop for the year. We also say goodbye to The Hobart Women's Health Centre as our workshop moves to The Salvation Army Hall in Moonah in the new year.
Many thanks to The Hobart Women's Health Centre for allowing us this wonderful space to meet and create and enjoy some community spirit in such comfortable surrounds. It has been a wonderful place to meet.
No matter where we gather we will continue to work in the spirit of creation, liberation and community. One of the most fulfilling things to come out of these workshops is that sense of community. It seems this creative collective has opened doors to unexpected things. These workshops not only provide a creative and social outlet, they support women in need. From medical advice, sewing machine repairs, house moving, helping hands, to just popping in for some wool before heading home, a network of support has evolved.
Many of the women attending these workshops are recently settled Asylum seekers from Ethiopia, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Iran, Indonesia and Burma. The sharing of skills, stories and meals for these women and the Australian volunteers has been an important and fulfilling melding of cultures and support.
I think it's safe to say that anyone attending these workshops whether its every week, every now and then, or even just the once, feels safe and cared for and like something special is happening.
This week, being the last week, we focused on finishing up our projects but mostly our bags! From Waste to Wonderful was happy to announce that everyone was welcome to create a bag to be displayed at the Resource Collectables shop in Hobart. Some bags will be for sale with the proceeds going back into keeping From Waste to Wonderful running. If you would like to see some great things, hand-made by some great women in the community, head on down to Collectables, 117 Elizabeth Street, 12th - 26th December.
Thanks again to all the volunteers and artists that keep this collective running. Its such an amazing and inspiring venture. I can't wait for next year!
Today was bittersweet, enjoying our time together, feeling fulfilled and proud to have completed some beautiful creations while feeling somewhat sad that it would be our last workshop for the year. We also say goodbye to The Hobart Women's Health Centre as our workshop moves to The Salvation Army Hall in Moonah in the new year.
Many thanks to The Hobart Women's Health Centre for allowing us this wonderful space to meet and create and enjoy some community spirit in such comfortable surrounds. It has been a wonderful place to meet.
No matter where we gather we will continue to work in the spirit of creation, liberation and community. One of the most fulfilling things to come out of these workshops is that sense of community. It seems this creative collective has opened doors to unexpected things. These workshops not only provide a creative and social outlet, they support women in need. From medical advice, sewing machine repairs, house moving, helping hands, to just popping in for some wool before heading home, a network of support has evolved.
Many of the women attending these workshops are recently settled Asylum seekers from Ethiopia, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Iran, Indonesia and Burma. The sharing of skills, stories and meals for these women and the Australian volunteers has been an important and fulfilling melding of cultures and support.
I think it's safe to say that anyone attending these workshops whether its every week, every now and then, or even just the once, feels safe and cared for and like something special is happening.
This week, being the last week, we focused on finishing up our projects but mostly our bags! From Waste to Wonderful was happy to announce that everyone was welcome to create a bag to be displayed at the Resource Collectables shop in Hobart. Some bags will be for sale with the proceeds going back into keeping From Waste to Wonderful running. If you would like to see some great things, hand-made by some great women in the community, head on down to Collectables, 117 Elizabeth Street, 12th - 26th December.
Thanks again to all the volunteers and artists that keep this collective running. Its such an amazing and inspiring venture. I can't wait for next year!
Thanks again to the Resource Work Cooperative for providing materials and space at The Collectables Shop to display our wonderful creations!
From Waste to Wonderful will be continuing next year at the Salvation Army Hall, at the back of 73 Hopkins Street, Moonah - 10am to 2:30pm Thursdays and 1pm to 4:30pm Fridays, from January 16th.
All welcome!
All welcome!
From Waste to Wonderful 29th November 2013
Another Friday another inspiring start to the weekend for the women attending From Waste to Wonderful!
This was the second last workshop before summer holidays so it was a busy day for everyone wanting to get their tasks finished up. With so many exciting and beautiful projects near completion the energy was high and the helping hands were in full swing.
By the end of the day we were all delighted to experience the fruition of each others ideas with the completion of many projects. Some of these projects were weeks in the making with some skillful knitting and the squishing and rolling of wool into felt. And, of course, all that material donated by the Resource Work Co-Operative was lovingly and skilfully sewed into beautiful bags and skirts.
Many thanks to all the women who make this workshop possible, and to all the women who come along each Friday to share their skills, stories and smiles.
See you all next week!
This was the second last workshop before summer holidays so it was a busy day for everyone wanting to get their tasks finished up. With so many exciting and beautiful projects near completion the energy was high and the helping hands were in full swing.
While the women got stuck into their work in the work room the kitchen was filling with the delicious smell of fresh veges baking. When we finally broke for lunch we were treated to mountain of hot baked veges, fruit salad and yummy sweet little cakes.
Once again the hard work of the day was punctuated with the cuddling of babies!
By the end of the day we were all delighted to experience the fruition of each others ideas with the completion of many projects. Some of these projects were weeks in the making with some skillful knitting and the squishing and rolling of wool into felt. And, of course, all that material donated by the Resource Work Co-Operative was lovingly and skilfully sewed into beautiful bags and skirts.
Many thanks to all the women who make this workshop possible, and to all the women who come along each Friday to share their skills, stories and smiles.
See you all next week!
Sunday, December 8, 2013
From Waste to Wonderful Thanks Gay Hawkes
Gay Hawkes is a talented and generous Tasmanian artist who is often found sharing her skills with the community.
From Waste to Wonderful was proud to have Gay facilitating workshops, sharing her passion and skills. She enabled and encouraged women's freedom of expression whilst firing up their passion for all things beautiful.
Sadly Gay could not continue with workshops due to illness but lucky for us Hanna Parssinen, another fantastic and inspiring Hobart artist, has been able to step into Gay's shoes.
We would love to thank Gay Hawkes for her commitment to getting From Waste to Wonderful off the ground and leaving behind a legacy of freedom to create and share.
Friday, November 29, 2013
From Waste to Wonderful November 22nd 2013
Once again The Women's centre was a hive of activity as women chatted, sewing machines buzzed, knitting needles clattered and felt was squished in the sunshine.
Last week we welcomed a new face, Gwen, who came to her first workshop at the Women's Health Centre. We were delighted to hear the workshop had such a positive impact for her.
"I have only been in Tassie for 18 months and one of the first coffee places I went to ( and still go to) is the Raincheck lounge. I go there as much as I can and I have always said to myself that I should go in to the Women's centre and see what they do there. Well, the time finally came during struggles with personal issues. I was reminded of the woman's centre.
Hanna politely greeted when I walked into the centre, then invited me into the room where a group of woman had gathered to make bags out of scraps of donated materials for the recycle market. My Oma makes the best handbags and I love to learn new craft, so I thought , why not?
Well, I have never felt or even dreamed of what it would be like to feel liberated as a woman. It was a gentle calmness with kiddies and babies trotting around. Everyone was very welcoming. Annie and I spent most of the time together while she was teaching me and chatting away. Hanna showed me her skills, it was so beautiful to see someone so sharing and patient. We shared lunch and I spoke to other ladies that had also been there that day. All of them relaxed and open to share.
When I woke up that day, I did not expect myself to meet so many woman and walk away feeling liberated. Thank you to every one of the ladies and children that were there that day. You all made a difference in my life just by sharing. That was all it took for me to find another part of myself that had been dormant for so long. I look forward to seeing those ladies again"
Welcome Gwen! We hope this co-op continues to give women like Gwen a space to feel safe, welcome and liberated!
 |
| Gwen and Annie |
 |
| Gwen and Annie |
Mothers are welcomed and treated to a space that allows for their little ones to explore and play while they work on their projects. Affection lavished on the little ones, by all the women at the Centre, makes for some beautiful moments.
We all thoroughly enjoy breaking for a meal together! This allows us time to swap stories and have a breather before continuing on with projects. Each week food is donated and cooked by generous volunteers. We eat, chat and get to know each other before getting back to work.
Women make use of fabrics, wool and tools donated generously by The Resource Work Cooperative and Ourplace volunteers. Fabrics are lovingly and creatively reused or recycled and by the end of the day everyone has something to show for all their hard work.
 |
| Beautiful colourful Patchwork |
We're all looking forward to the next workshop this coming Friday, 29th November. All welcome! A huge thanks to all the volunteers and women who keep From Waste to Wonderful running. It couldn't be done without you!
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