_{We invite you to join us at one of our special community weaving workshops}

Hosted by Gembrook Retreat

Workshop 1: Build a Giant Bower - nature play activity for children

Inspired by Gembrook Retreat's very own satin bowerbirds, we will be imitating this most amazing and clever of “animal architects”, to make our own human-sized bowers! 

We’ll even be decorating our structures with brightly coloured natural objects, just like bowerbirds do. Using natural materials from the land, this fun, nature activity is ideal for children and families to work together to create special places to play in.

Great for kids and adults welcome too!

(Under 5’s will need to be accompanied by an adult.)

Run by Tamsin from Hands Down. 

Workshop 2: Weave a Rag Rug for ‘Reclaim the Void’

The Reclaim the Void project was born from Ngalia elders in Leonora, Western Australia, expressing their pain and grief at ‘those gaping mining holes left all over our country’. 

The vision is to cover a mining pit with a large-scale ‘dot’ artwork made up of thousands of handmade circular rag-rugs woven from discarded fabric.

Whether you start a rug, continue with someone else's weaving, or see one through to completion, everybody's contribution will be valued and supported.

For more information on Reclaim the Void go to: www.reclaimthevoid.com.au

Great for adults, keen kids welcome!

Run by Fiona from LifeWalker

A glorious day of community and nature connection as we weave together.

What's included?

• All ticket holders can participate in the Workshop of their choice.
• Ticket holders will also have a chance to try out the other workshop if numbers permit.
• You will learn to weave a rag rug or bower.
• Cups of Tea and Coffee on tap.
• Supervision for children who are signed into a workshop*.

Cost:

• $12.50 individual ticket (Early bird $10 until Tuesday 1 November)
• $40 family ticket (Early bird $35 until Tuesday 1 November)
  

We are grateful to be able to run this event at low cost thanks to a grant from the Quaker Peace and Social Justice Committee to support children's participation in this wonderful project.

What To Know:

• BYO snacks and lunch.
• * Parent/Carer must remain at Gembrook Retreat for the duration of the workshop however adults do not have to attend a workshop.
• Children under 5 will need to be actively supervised by a parent/carer.
• Young people 5-17yo will be signed in and supervised by a facilitator.
• Children of all ages are welcome, though they may not be interested in rag rug weaving for long... and do need to be supervised. There is plenty of space to wander together on the land if you would like to explore.
• Rugs will be donated to the Reclaim the Void Project, so you will leave your woven wonders with us to send over to WA once we have a box of completed rugs.
  
• A finished rug takes 6-8 hours, so you're unlikely to begin and complete a rug in this workshop time. We do however have a few already started looms, you can continue with.

Questions

Can I come Without Children?

Absolutely! This is a totally inclusive space so EVERYONE is welcome.

Can I bring my Children?

Yes all ages are welcome to either workshop. 

With the rag rug workshop, weaving may be tricky and perhaps uninteresting for under 10s (though they can join in if/when they like). You can also take your loom with you as you wander with your child/ren if you want to... you might find a log or a rock to sit on while they play in the mud, on the tree swing etc. 

Which Ticket Should I buy?

The "Individual Ticket" covers the costs of the materials, venue hire and refreshments for 1 person (adult or child). The "Family Ticket" caters to adults and children participating either in the same workshop or in different workshops. If finances are an issue for you, please get in touch so we can gift you a low cost/free spot.

Accessibility

The walk from the carpark to the Meeting House is a significant distance across sloped paddocks. Once at the Meeting House the whole building is fully accessible. If you have mobility restrictions, please just reach out and we'll see if it's possible for one of the Gembrook Retreat caretakers to drive you to the Meeting House.

What if I get sick? Do you offer refunds?

We know it continues to be uncertain times with a lot of illness around. If you are unable to attend because of illness or unforseen circumstances please let us know as soon as is practicable, so we can make the spaces available to others. We are able to offer a refund minus the processing and handling fees.

Safety

Fiona, Tamsin and Jane have current working with children's checks and a long history working with children. Fiona also has a Child Safe Training Certificate ensuring best child safety practices are implemented. Gembrook Retreat is a contained and fenced farmland, however there are inherent risks and so if your child is not signed in to a workshop, you will need to supervise them when they are moving about on the property. You will need to be aware of where your children are at all times, unless they are formally signed into the care of one of the facilitators.

Click to Ask any Questions you have.

In Australia

We’ve dug 50,000 holes across sacred land.

We dump 500,000 tonnes of fabric and clothing every year.

Can we give our hands and hearts in healing to create 5,000 rugs to seal one hole?