Project Compassion 2023: The women of Baabayn

By Caritas Australia, 20 March 2023
Women at the Young Mums and Bubs Group at Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation. Image: Richard Wainwright/Caritas Australia/Supplied

 

For each of the six weeks of Lent, the Diocese of Parramatta is sharing one of Caritas Australia’s feature stories of lives changed through support and empowerment programs.

Week Four – the women of Baabayn

Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation’s Young Mums and Bubs Group, supported by Caritas Australia, supports young women in the community with practical support like housing and helps mentor the next generation of young people. 

The Baabayn program has successfully helped many young women to reconnect with their culture through Indigenous art, with a group of the women displaying their art at the Vivid festival in Sydney in 2022. 

Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation was founded by five Elders from Western Sydney – home to one of the largest urban First Australian populations in Australia. Baabayn (which means ‘Ancestral Woman’ in Gumbaynggirr language) provides a welcoming environment for First Australian families and individuals to help them heal from the past and nurture their sense of confidence and pride in the future. 

The work of Baabayn involves initiatives such as a Homework Club, a Young Mums and Bubs program and a youth group. They also provide advocacy, counselling services and links to government departments. 

With your support, the work of Baabayn can continue to work with young mothers at Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation and help them keep their culture strong for future generations. 

During Lent, we are invited to take up the call to fast, pray and give alms. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the many crises that have struck the world over the past 12 months mean that many communities are in great need of your support. 

Supporting Project Compassion is a way for us to proclaim the faith that is in our hearts and help our sisters and brothers in need. Your gift will help uplift the most marginalised and vulnerable members of society. 

To donate to Project Compassion, visit Caritas Australia’s website: www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion/ or call 1800 024 413. 

With thanks to Caritas Australia.

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