Recently, we had the privilege of visiting our partner Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation in Western Sydney – a space where culture, connection and support intertwine. Founded by five Aboriginal Elders, Baabayn offers a place of cultural resilience and healing grounded in identity, welcoming visitors of all backgrounds to join in community, share stories, and take part in programs that strengthen cultural identity and promote healing.
For many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, it is a place to strengthen or rekindle their ties to culture, Country and each other. Some arrive with strong community links; others are reconnecting after the legacy of policies that severed bonds and ongoing systemic challenges.
“The ladies here, the talking, the language, the yarning… it’s been really interesting and great to talk with the ladies and get a lot of history as well. I’m learning a lot from these beautiful ladies,” shared Daphne, a long-time Baabayn member and former teacher. On younger generations, she added: “they need to know their culture, who their identity is… to have respect for themselves and for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.”
The importance of places like Baabayn cannot be overstated. Walking through its doors, you witness stories shared between visitors and Elders, a space where cultural identity is honoured and strengthened. Whether it is chatting over a cuppa, children learning in the homework club or Elders guiding others, Baabayn shows how healing happens through relationships and culture.
Additionally, Baabayn connects people with government services, Blacktown City Council, other First Nations organisations, and education providers like TAFE, offering culturally appropriate support in navigating these systems, all in one place. It fills a crucial gap in connecting with services that often have not been designed with First Nations peoples’ needs and perspectives at their centre.
One of Baabayn’s highlights was the Mums and Bubs group’s book Why Our Children Are Proud to be Aboriginal. Illustrated by young mothers who are participants in the Baabayn Mums and Bubs group, the book brings together a collective effort in celebrating cultural pride, nurtured into future generations.
Through artistic expression, I’m able to own my culture and honour my grandparents… Coming to Baabayn lets me speak with Elders, share experiences, and grow my sense of self.
If you would like to learn more about Baabayn’s work, they have also put together a series of magazines featuring First Nations articles written by their own members. They are available to read and share with others.
During our visit, we also learned about the Elders’ Fences and Walls project. Recently, Elders and women planted native seeds – which are symbols of healing and growth, so that the next generation can nurture them as they carry forward Elders’ traditions, stories and strength.
"We've arrived at this place of knowing that at the moment it's about stories… Fences and Walls, the workbook, is a free resource mainly for non-Aboriginal mental health professionals but relevant to all in human services and caring professions working to address decolonisation – tackling systemic barriers in people and systems,” said Ruth, a Clinical Psychologist involved with the Fences and Walls workbook.
This project reflects ongoing healing, truth-telling and the challenge of systemic barriers faced by First Nations peoples.
There are vital lessons here for all Australians, including settler Australians: the value of slowing down, listening deeply and respecting lived experience. Baabayn is a great example of First Nations-led grassroots programs building resilience locally and in a way that simply wouldn’t exist otherwise.
Caritas Australia is proud to support Baabayn and amplify their voice. We look forward to sharing their stories and projects like Why Our Children Are Proud to be Aboriginal and Fences and Walls with wider audiences. Let’s keep listening, sharing and walking forward together.
To learn more about Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation or to get involved, please visit their website.
