For this years Australia Day celebrations, I developed a "Community Weaving” concept to showcase the importance of collaboration, association, harmony and multiculturalism in our society. I was fortunate enough that when I presented this concept to the CHARM (Cultural Historical Association of Rodriguans and Mauritians) office bearers, they came on board with the idea and agreed to support and assist with its execution. I am especially grateful to CHARM’s Australia Day celebration organizing committee for their assistance during the event, considering the fact that I was overseas, when this activity occurred.  

To me 26th January; ‘Australia Day’ celebration symbolizes Nation building. A reaffirmation that cultural diversity has an important role to play in strengthening and uniting us as a nation and enriching our lives. Australia Day is and should always be; a day for acknowledging the Native people of the land and the contributions of all people of different cultures and ethnicity who have since called this country home.

The community weaving activity and its various components embodied these thoughts. The activity involved specially designed wooden panels where the participants weave a random abstract pattern using multi-colored pieces of yarn.

The wooden panel consisted of a treated pine board with a pre-drilled wooden frame with the caption ‘We are Australia’ painted on it. The use of unpainted laminated wooden base revealing the grains and texture was intended to signify purity and paid homage to the Land. The red and blue coloring of the lettering represented the co lours of Australian flag. I had intentionally chosen to keep the lettering transparent so as not to mask the wooden grains (purity of the land) beneath. The multi-color dots around the lettering –also a typical characteristic of aboriginal art, represented the flags of the various people who have settled in Australia.

Weaving signified collective effort, contribution and collaboration in building of a society. The activity started with signing of the participant name on the wooden base, this suggest ownership and acknowledgement; of and to Australia. The participants, then selected the colour of the yarn, tied a knot to the existing yarn and threaded it across the plank to a spot of his or her choosing, leaving the end of the yarn for the next participant to connect.  The uses of multicolored yarn suggest diversity and multiculturalism, and tying of knots indicated one’s contribution towards the society and nation building.

This activity was well received by the crowd that visited the Balla Balla Community Center Australia Day celebrations and was considered a highlight of the event and brought out spontaneity from the weavers who had fun with it.

Two panels were completed on the day, each colorful abstract composition symbolizing ‘Us’ as a society and all that we wish Australia to be. A society that supports collaborative effort, multiculturalism and respect for the Land.

Viva Australia