Exciting year ahead for Bábbarra Women's Centre

Story by Ingrid Johanson

The women at Bábbarra Women’s Centre have been busy preparing for many exciting new projects ahead this year. They are pictured at the Bábbarra billabong which is the significant place the centre is named after, with Joy Garlbin (Babbarra Traditional Land Owner for Bábbarra) and with permission of Lena Djabibba, Bábbarra Tjungai. The women at Bábbarra Women’s Centre in Maningrida have been busy working on a number of exciting new projects coming up this year. The Centre is updating all the information which the customers receive when purchasing unique fabrics and designs - including stories, artist biographies, and artist portraits. They are also getting ready to launch their new website this month. The Bábbarra Women’s Centre has a proud history of positive social impact and since 1983, it has supported the continuation of culture and economic independence of women in Maningrida and on surrounding homelands. Originally established as a women’s refuge, Bábbarra Women’s Centre now provides women opportunities through our small social enterprises. It runs a textile workshop specialising in the production of hand-printed fabric designs that reflect the makers’ connection to country and their extensive cultural knowledge, as well as an op-shop and laundromat. All these things mean they can share their great story in a better way. They regularly share news on social media - so why not follow their journey on Facebook: www.facebook.com/babbarradesign, and on Instagram: @babbarradesigns and the new website: www.babbarra.com  Lennie Goya-Airra, head of the Bábbarra Women’s Centre sewing team.