Santa Teresa - Northern Territory
Since 2009, Good Samaritan Sisters have worked and lived at Santa Teresa (Ltyentye Apurte), a remote Aboriginal Catholic community about eighty kilometres south-west of Alice Springs, and home to over 600 people.
Life at Santa Teresa is tough. Employment opportunities are few and housing conditions are poor. In recent years the situation has deteriorated because of instability caused by the implementation of the Northern Territory Emergency Response (the Intervention) in 2008 and the abolition of community councils to make way for ‘super’ shires.
According to Meye Mulladad, a traditional healer (ngangkere) who has lived at Santa Teresa all her life, the Good Sam Sisters are trusted by the community and seen as the ‘go to’ person. This strong relationship has been integral to the development of the Spirituality Centre which is not only a venue to support the spirituality and culture of the community, but a space that is perceived as safe and supportive. The Centre gives the women pride, encouragement, hope, optimism, care and understanding.
One particular activity at the Centre that has made a significant impact, particularly for the women, has been a cross and silk painting project. For Meye, this project gives women something to do in a supportive environment. “The ladies are enjoying [these activities]. Some ladies stay at home so we invited them to come and paint crosses and paint on silks. It’s better than sitting down at home doing nothing,” she explains. 'They talk and support one another as they do the work.'
These cultural and religious artworks are then sold to people who visit Santa Teresa or to communities throughout Australia. In the future, the aim is to provide some supplementary income for the women. Interestingly, the local health clinic says these activities have made 'the most significant contributions to the health, mental and emotional well-being of people in the community'.
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