Weaving Three Stories

Nurturing a sense of belonging, inclusion and welcoming from First Peoples to strengthen intercultural engagement.

Image Credit: Detail of a coil weaving (Supplied by Bianca Easton and Sarah Naarden)

Weaving Three Stories Project is a series of yarning and weaving workshops led by First Peoples to promote intercultural engagement in Fisherman’s Bend.  Responding to the need to build community connection while the precinct is under transition, the project aims to create an ongoing sense of belonging, inclusion and welcoming from First Peoples. The project brings local First Nations educators together to weave stories about the embedded narrative of place and invites the broader community to learn stories of common connection that can untangle intercultural differences and build a more meaningful appreciation of First Peoples culture.

Weaving Three Stories is a collaboration between Bianca Easton and Sarah Naarden who have collaborated on several weaving and yarning circles at significant Healing and Reconciliation events in Melbourne. Bianca Easton a Boon Wurrung traditional cultural educator, creative workshop facilitator, and weaver who lives locally.   Sarah Naarden co-founder of Turruk yarning circles at non-profit organisation Initiatives of Change Australia. A trained architect, co-design facilitator, social researcher and Regenerative Designer who codesigns with First peoples. Sarah also has strong ties to the area where she grew up.

We are excited to embark on this collaborative journey and anticipate heartfelt story sharing whilst learning traditional weaving techniques. I imagine the process will uncover new narratives for healing, meaningful reconciliation and change
— Bianca Easton & Sarah Naarden

Documenting the process

In collaboration with documentary filmmaker Michael Woods, from Pacific Studio the team will also be creating a short film that follows the journey over the 3 workshops that includes voices and insights from Traditional Owners, First Nations artists and community participants.

Get Involved

The invitation is extended to all genders and children over 10 years of age from across Melbourne to participate.

Proceeds from the ticket sales supports First Peoples scholarships and pathways in the Initiatives of Change Australia Turruk Community Program, which includes a First Nations scholarship to attend the University of Melbourne MURRA – Indigenous Business Program.

See details below for the workshops, and sign up to our Mailing List to find out more about related events and ways to get involved.

Project Partners

  • FB IDEAs

  • The Gladstone, by Greystar

  • Port of Melbourne

  • Gamuda Land Australia

Project Lead

  • Bianca Easton

  • Sarah Naarden, Initiatives of Change

What’s On

  • Workshop 1: Dilly Bag Weaving

    Saturday 31 May

    The Gladstone Artist in Residence Space
    15-85 Gladstone St, South Melbourne

    Honouring Salt Water & Fresh Water Stories and pre-colonial landscapes from the Oldest Living Culture on Earth.

  • Workshop 2: Coil Weaving

    Saturday 21 June

    Port of Melbourne Education Centre
    339-343 Lorimer St, Port Melbourne

    Unsettled Tides and acknowledging the impact of colonial settlement and destruction of Saltwater & Freshwater songlines.

  • Workshop 3: Emu Feather Flowers Making

    Saturday 26 July

    Fishermans Bend Circular Design Collective
    Munro Street, South Melbourne (opposite # 80 Munro Street)

    Turning Tides and reimagining Indigenous led regenerative sustainability with intercultural caring for Country