The original banner is proudly displayed in the Centre's meeting room.

The story behind the story: In late 1990 Migrant women from 15 Pilbara towns & settlements created a banner for the 1991 North West Women’s Associations bi-annual Women’s Meeting. The Banner theme was “Migrant Women’s contribution to the settlement of the Pilbara”. The banner acknowledged the migrant women’s achievements in creating homes and communities through out the Pilbara.

 

Joan Frei, a woman who had migrated from Thailand, worked on the banner project from beginning to end and attended the Derby meeting said, “ I felt strongly in helping the community, especially in Port Hedland. While I was making the banner, I enjoyed talking with new friends. We had a good time, so did the children……I wanted to do something for the ethnic women in Port Hedland and myself too, and I had the opportunity to do so.”

 

For several the banner was thought to be lost, however it was tracked down for the official opening  of the Hedland Well Womens Centre in 2006. At the opening the staff often heard comments as people viewed the banner “I wonder where those women are now? And, "What happened to Frank?” (One of the patches was embroidered with the quote “ I won’t be here when Frank gets home.”)

 

Well Women’s Centre has received a Grant from the Women’s Policy Office to trace the women involved in the project and discover how the tapestry of their lives has been woven since their initial involvement in the original banner.

If you were involved in or know someone who was involved in the first project please contact the Well Women’s Centre manager@wellwomens.com.au

 

WATCH THIS SPACE AS WE ADD STORIES AND PHOTOS!

 

If you have name’s and contact details of the original Migrant Banner Participants please contact us at the centre.

manage@wellwomens.com.au.

 

1^st get together , brain storming the names of the other participants.

Di soaking up the atmosphere and getting inspiration .