Learning circle: Nourishing Country

About our learning circles

There's much to learn, appreciate and celebrate about Aboriginal culture and history. Meld Studios is hosting a series of informal learning circles for participants with an open heart.

During each session, we will discuss a TV episode, podcast or short read that focuses on:

• Appreciating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, or
• Colonial history.
  
  

Homework for our session 

Please listen to Episode 16 from 100 Climate Conversations: Bruce Pascoe - Nourishing Country before our session. [47 mins]

What we'll discuss

• What did you learn? Why is it important?
• How are you feeling? What are you thinking? 
• What would you like to share with your friends and family, and how might you do this? 
• How might you connect with support if you need help with this content?

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to prepare for sessions? 

We want to have an informed discussion. To achieve this aim, we strongly encourage participants to consume the nominated podcast, TV show or short read before sessions.All of our materials have been chosen because they’ve left a mark on us AND because they are all relatively short - generally taking less than an hour to engage with. 

Can I invite my friends, family or colleagues? 

Yes please, as long as you register them so we know how many people to expect to sessions. 

Why are you doing this? 

We feel that bringing together people we know to explore stories around Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander stories is a good way to support the Uluru Statement from the heart. 

How do you choose podcasts, articles or videos? 

We feel it is important to celebrate and appreciate Aboriginal and Torres Strait culture and explore stories around the impact of colonialism on First Nations people.The stories we will discuss are short and are either made by or feature the voices of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people. 

Are the Meld Studios people facilitating this Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people? 

We are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander allies seeking to support the “truth-telling” element of the Uluru Statement from the heart. Our role is to convene these sessions and make space for respectful, insightful conversations.

Where can I get help if I'm feeling unsettled?

We are sorry you are feeling unsettled! Some of this information is very upsetting and confronting. Please reach out to your family, friends or a health professional or use the links below for support.

24/7 crisis lines

13yarn ph: 13 92 76 A national crisis support line for mob feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping, staffed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

Beyond Blue Ph: 1300 22 46 36 Provides mental health information, advice, and tools to support people improve their mental health.

Lifeline Ph: 13 11 14 Provides access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services for people experiencing emotional distress

Suicide Call Back Service Ph: 1300 659 467 National services that provide free 24/7 phone, video and online professional counselling to people who are affected by suicide.

Transcultural Mental Health Line Ph: 1800 648 911 Mon - Fri 9:00 - 4:40 pm A telephone service providing mental health information and help accessing community support services for multicultural communities.

Other support services

Black Dog Institute Contains information and resources for mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder.

ECentre Clinic Free online mental health and wellbeing courses run by Macquarie University.

Headspace A free service that supports young people aged between 12 and 25 and their families going through a tough time.

Mental Health Online Online resources and services to help people 18 years and older experiencing mental health difficulties, including anxiety, panic attacks and depression.

MyCompass An interactive self-help service for people with mild to moderate stress, anxiety, and depression.

ThisWayUp Online courses to improve mental health and wellbeing.

Wellmob Social, emotional, and cultural wellbeing resources for People who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.