Sunday 7 October saw a large community audience enjoy the festivities around several celebratory events for an iconic organisation. Wellington Information and Neighbourhood Services (WINS) has been delivering services to the Wellington community for over thirty years and earlier in the year, Board and staff decided it was time for a revamp. Following successful bids for philanthropic and state government grants, WINS embarked on a program of renewal.
The culmination of the program was celebrated on Sunday in Wellington. Everyone was invited and the event began with some formalities. Elder Aunty Violet Lousick gave a moving and inspirational Welcome to Country. Dubbo Regional Council Deputy Mayor, Anne Jones launched the organisational rebranding of WINS Community Centre. Staff modelled the new orange shirts that make them instantly recognisable. Board member and Elder Janet Henman cut the ribbon to formally open the beautiful courtyard. Diamond pattern paving, lights for night activities and green lawn have transformed the area into a functional space.
The piece de resistance was saved till last - the unveiling of the Because of Her We Can mural. The stimulus for the mural was a week-long series of events to celebrate NAIDOC in July. Two local artists, Denise Kelly and Carmel Lancaster (Kelly), worked with children on an artistic project on the back wall of the courtyard. The theme to celebrate Aboriginal women has become a local and national homage, particularly to Wellington Wiradjuri women. The process of developing the mural was fascinating, making something plain into something beautiful and meaningful. Denise and Carmel spoke about the artistic process prior to Elder Aunty Glenda Bell formally opening it.
WINS kids served platters of food to guests. Barnardos brought their new coffee van – Three Wise Women – and provided free tea, coffee and hot chocolate. The van will soon be providing employment for women in the Beyond Barbed Wire Program. Jack Broome sang and played ukulele and we were able to watch the beautiful video the WACHS team did with children for NAIDOC. A wonderful day was had by all accounts.
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