Based on the land of the Yuwaalaraay/Euahlayi people in Western NSW, the Dharriwaa Elders Group (DEG) is an Aboriginal cultural organisation that works to support Elders’ wellbeing, protect Aboriginal cultural heritage and knowledge, and promote Aboriginal cultural values in the local community.
The region’s lakes, known as Dharriwaa by traditional custodians, is a significant meeting place for Aboriginal peoples and a source of food and medicine, with immense cultural significance.
DEG is made up of members over 60 who live in Walgett, who work tirelessly to promote relationships between Aboriginal Elders and other generations of the Walgett Aboriginal community.
In August 2021, Walgett reported its first case of COVID-19 - representing a very worrying time for the community, one third of whom are Aboriginal. People have been doing all they can to stop the transmission of COVID, staying home and looking out for others, but it’s not enough despite the incredible local efforts of the Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service.
“We know that the way we beat transmission is to get vaccinated, stay home, limit our movements and look after each other. However, the housing crisis in Western NSW makes it hard for our communities to isolate. And isolating families need practical support. That looks like specialised health care, accessible vaccine clinics and mobile vaccine hubs, housing support and income support.”
Launching a campaign on crowdfunding site GiveNow to help keep Walgett and other communities safe and well from COVID-19, DEG needs our help to ensure vaccination hubs, accessible clinics and specialised healthcare can continue in the area, as well as rapid at-home testing to reduce community transmission.
Pure Community is proud to make a donation of 2% revenue, or $4,205 this quarter, to support the Dharriwaa Elders Group Relief Appeal, and we encourage you to give what you can or share the campaign at the link below.
DEG Covid-related Work and Relief Appeal ↗︎
*Pure Community and Pure Finance have no direct affiliation with the organisations and causes listed above, we simply appreciate the work that they do, and choose to show our appreciation by donating to them.
Image by Luke Currie-Richardson