(21/02/2019) Living Library set to unveil heart-wrenching truths

The chance to hear the personal stories of Indigenous identities will be just one of the activities held to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the City of Fremantle’s Walyalup Aboriginal Cultural Centre (WACC).

As part of the month-long celebrations during March, the WACC will launch its inaugural ‘Living Library’ sessions where people can hear some fascinating and, at times, confronting stories.

Held over four Saturdays, some of the ‘human library books’ featured include:

jazz singer Lois Olney and her discovery that she was ‘stolen’ as a baby, not given up for adoption as she was led to believe;former Fremantle Docker Scott Chisholm and his experience with racial vilification on Australia’s biggest sporting stage; andIndigenous activist Corina Abraham’s fight for better health conditions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

City of Fremantle Community Development Coordinator Naomi Christensen said the Living Library will provide attendees with an opportunity to speak face to face with people in the community they may otherwise never meet.

“You’ll come across the most intriguing and heart-breaking accounts from real life people about their struggles and triumphs, which are guaranteed to challenge your own biases and stereotypes,” Ms Christensen said.

“During the sessions people will be able to ask questions and chat with our ‘human library books’. Prepare to come away from the Living Library sessions forever changed.”

Living Library will be held on Saturday 9, 16, 23 and 30 March from 12-2pm, with tickets available for $10. For more information visit the What’s On page on the City of Fremantle website.

Further cultural activities will take place during March, including a free Community Canvas workshop on Saturday 2 March in which participants will undertake a special five-year anniversary design. 

About the Walyalup Aboriginal Cultural Centre

The City of Fremantle’s Walyalup Aboriginal Cultural Centre (WACC) is a dedicated meeting place for tourists, visitors and the wider community to engage in and learn various aspects of Aboriginal culture.

The WACC organises Nyoongar seasonal programs, classes and workshops facilitated by Aboriginal people who are passionate about sharing their culture with the community.

The WACC also hosts various events throughout the year to commemorate important Aboriginal celebrations.

All people are welcome to get in involved in language, art, music, dance, tours and film screenings or explore the centre’s art galleries and artefacts mini museum.