Weaving the Threads of Country and Community

Hobsons Bay is home to one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse areas of Victoria. It is a place where two important truths must be held together: this community sits on stolen Bunurong Country, and it is also home to one of the state’s highest populations of migrant communities. 

Holding weaving workshops in Hobsons Bay offers a unique opportunity to bring these communities together, creating a safe and inclusive space for intergenerational knowledge sharing, cultural connection, and community healing. 

Led by Samantha Bennett, a Bunurong Traditional Custodian and descendant of Naynertgoroke, these workshops use the art and practice of traditional weaving to share stories of colonialism, culture and resilience. Samantha’s approach centres storytelling and hands-on learning, allowing participants to connect with one another while honouring the Country on which they gather. 

Each workshop becomes a living thread between past, present and future, fostering understanding and collaboration across cultures. 

Workshop inclusions:

• Instruction and demonstration on traditional basket weaving 
• Bunurong cultural knowledge sharing 
• Boonwurrung language and mythology education
• Insights into the purpose and meaning of different basket forms
• Reflections on decolonisation in real time — attunement to Country, relational connection, and respectful practice
• All materials supplied (including take-home weaving kits) 

Registrations for these workshops are $5 and include a hot drink and biscuit.