Recently I’ve been out west in southern Queensland facilitating writing workshops for the wonderful QLD Writers Centre as part of the QLD government STAY CONNECTED initiative to help older women in regional and remote areas.
I enjoyed my adventures out bush – apparently once we go further west than Roma, it’s officially “bush” – you’re not really outback till you’re out there. The rivers were drying up ahead of the long dry coming, but the trees, especially the bottle trees around Roma, were magnificent and the architecture in the towns told stories of more prosperous days.
The highlight of these trips for me was, as always, connecting with the wise strong women who endure so much out there, but find strength in each other and their creativity. I visited Mitchell, Injune, Surat, Roma and most recently Charleville, almost to the edge of the desert. So many stories from early settlement and of course, the ancient stories of the sovereign peoples of the land, are just waiting to be told. The women I met have powerful stories of their own, with many working hard to support and encourage others in their communities. I just love the way women do this. Power on my friends.
I did lots of driving and saw more dead kangaroos than live ones, but I also explored many rivers, meditated sitting in the riverbeds, found treasures and birds and mysteries and in some places a deep unsettling disquiet left from the hidden wars and brutal massacres that took place on this country.
Whenever I tell people I’ve recently been out to all these towns, they come back with stories of their own about grandfathers, or aunties or other ancestors who began or ended out west. Not so very long ago, Queensland was much more rural, with many of our families working and living on sheep or cattle stations or other farms, or teaching, nursing or providing other services in these far-flung places once connected by a vast rail network.
Everywhere I went I was heartened to see a thriving arts and craft culture attached to the libraries or in community centres. Creativity is important, even or especially, out far from all the stimulation of the theatres and galleries in the cities. Saw my writing friend Gillian Wells out there as well, keeping everyone entertained with her books.
Best of all, apart from the warm, wise women whose company I enjoyed and their stories that stayed with me, was the quiet and the stars. And I’ll never forget some of the great characters I met. I’ll always remember Patty’s vice-like hug 🙂
Thank you QWC for sending me out and to the women who bravely shared their stories and trusted this city girl with them.
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Lots of love
Edwina xx
Edwina Shaw 