out(fit) yarning circle builds community connection
Circle of connection: volunteers from out(fit), a not-for-profit organisation supported by the University of Newcastle, have teamed up with First Steps Count Child and Community Centre to build community connection with culture in Taree.
A generous philanthropic donation by Terry and Bob Kennedy AM has enabled a team of dedicated out(fit) builders and volunteers to partner with community centre leaders and members of the local Biripi community to construct the custom-designed Yarning Circle at First Steps Count (FSC) Child and Community Centre in Taree.
Empowering healthy communities
For Bob, a former Chair of the Hunter Medical Research Institute Board and past member of the University Council, and Terry, a former teacher, supporting a community-based program that recognises the strength and capacity of Aboriginal communities was a priority. Their gift was inspired by their interest in the Gomeroi Gaaynggal study in Tamworth, a project which builds community capacity to give Aboriginal mums and babies a healthy start to life, in partnership with the local community and researchers from the University of Newcastle.
The Yarning Circle has created a place where all community can come together. We taught students how to build and use tools and they in turn taught us about their culture and shared their dreams for the future. Thank you to all our donors and alumni volunteers whose generous support made this beautiful cultural exchange, important learning opportunity and community resource possible.”
Professor SueAnne Ware
out(fit) Founder
Head of School of Architecture and Built Environment, and Dean of Built Environment
Sustainable community-driven design
Indigenous students from Chatham High School, mostly young women, worked alongside alumni volunteers and project leaders to construct the Yarning Circle over six days. The out(fit) community also raised funds to purchase toolkits for each student to help them learn valuable skills in building and construction techniques and equip them for future work in the building industry.
out(fit) is a not-for-profit organisation supported by the School of Architecture and Built Environment at the University of Newcastle. Its mission is to support women and students seeking careers in built environment professions and provide a place for students to learn hands-on design and building skills. out(fit) prioritises projects that make a difference to underserviced community groups by improving their built environment.
To align with FSC’s commitment to sustainable construction and community-driven design, out(fit) collaborated with local Taree artists Steve Williams and Ali Haigh to host a site-clay brick-making workshop where participants learned how to identify, collect and process natural clay from the site to create bricks incorporated as gabion fill for the Yarning Circle.
out(fit) founder and Head of School and Dean of Built Environment Professor SueAnne Ware said it was a privilege to work alongside alumni, Chatham High School students, local artists and Indigenous leaders to exchange ideas and build opportunities for learning and connection.
Yarning circles are places to come together
Their circular shape ensures everyone can see each other’s faces as they share stories and learn from one another. There is no hierarchy around the circle – everyone is equal.
Building a Yarning Circle was a community priority and we are delighted to make it possible for children, families and the Manning Valley to have this space to learn from and support each other in a culturally safe and welcoming environment.”
Terry and Bob Kennedy AM
Free community webinar
The out(fit) team believes that everyone should have access to good design. Would you like to hear first-hand how out(fit) positively impacts underserved communities while supporting women and students to learn hands-on building skills?
Click to register for a free community webinar with Professor SueAnne Ware and other out(fit) members on 11 May, 2023.
Terry and Bob’s commitment to equity and social justice is evident from their support for the Yarning Circle, as well as for Shaping Futures Scholarships and the Strength to Sovereignty Project to build an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research Strategy for our regions. If you would like to find a project to support that is related to your values, please contact Kate on 02 4921 8612, email philanthropy@newcastle.edu.au
If you would like to support the work out(fit) does within local communities please visit newcastle.edu.au/outfit-donation or to find out more about their projects please go to out(fit).org.au
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.