Evangeline is employed as a Senior Artsworker by the Caritas Australia-supported Djilpin Arts Aboriginal Corporation, based in Beswick (Wugularr) in the Northern Territory.
Today she is strengthening Aboriginal culture, making a living for herself – and creating opportunities for her community.
Featured in Project Compassion 2016, Evangeline went from seeking employment to being a Senior Artsworker and an inspirational leader for youth.
Her work at the non-profit Aboriginal organisation, Djilpin Arts Aboriginal Corporation, has supported the organisation’s growth from a multi-media project to a multi-level contemporary arts and culture centre. An example of excellence in Indigenous tourism, it’s now a major employer for young people in the remote Northern Territory community.
Evangeline’s community faces challenges, stemming from the violent experience of colonisation, including few employment opportunities, crowded housing, lack of access to services, alcohol and health problems and poverty.
Limited political influence continues to disempower Australia’s First Peoples. Lack of opportunity draws young people away from their country and culture into towns and cities where they are most vulnerable.
This year Evangeline is busy guiding tourists, co-ordinating cultural activities and helping community members practise and market their arts, such as weaving and jewellery-making.
“Now we have a new gallery. And we have our new kitchens, we look after these and we now maintain this to make sure it’s in good condition. We’re also trying to open up another tour for tourists to go around the waterfall,” says Evangeline.
Evangeline believes that Caritas Australia’s support for Djilpin Arts, through Project Compassion, is vital for all Wugularr’s young people. Although families do their best to pass on knowledge, Elders are dying and she is keen to spearhead the preservation of culture and lore for future generations.
“It’s good for them to learn and to keep their culture strong,” says Evangeline.
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