Margaret Nabulwad is an FPW from the Gunbalanya community who works with the Top End Health Services.

When the NPC put out a call for volunteers to assist in developing an artwork to be used for the logo of the 2019 ANFPP Annual Conference, Margaret was very excited with the opportunity to take part in such a collaborative effort. Margaret was the first to send through her very own artwork for consideration, a woven mat made from the leaves of the Pandanus Plant. 

Apart from the wonderful photos she shared of the plants, dyes and other women weaving, Margaret also shared the arduous process of making the woven mat which requires a great deal of patience and forward planning as some of the materials such as the dyes are only available at certain times of the year. For example, the brown dyes are sourced from a seed that is only available from March to May while the purple dyes are available from around October to April.
The weaving process involves stripping the juvenile green leaves of the pandanus (Pandanus spiralis) An-yakngarra found around Arnhem Land is approximately 3-6 metres high, is spiky and harvesting it is physically demanding. Therefore, a stick is used to hook juvenile leaves to bring the young leaves down within reach before stripping the leaves into fibres and hung out to dry. This traditional labour intensive process done only by women requires much preparation prior to weaving the string like fibres that are then boiled up on an open camp fire with natural dyes such as roots, seeds and berries collected from the bush, which provide the vivid and varied plant based colours. 
This traditional process is handed down and is strongly rooted in culture.

ANFPP are in the privileged position of being able to watch Margaret throughout this process. During her time with ANFPP in Gunbalanya, Margaret has continued to enthusiastically share her skills, knowledge and beautiful art work with our families and within her community. By sharing her artwork, Margaret helps to demonstrate ANFPP's commitment to recognising, respecting and the nurturing our client’s and worker’s individual cultural needs and identity.
WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU.
If you want to know more about the program or need help in getting connected with a nurse in your area, send us a message.
- Fields marked with an * are required
- Disclaimer for 28 weeks or less pregnant. Some exceptions may apply, please check with your local Nurse- Family Partnership provider for more information.
 

CONTACT US

(Fields marked with * are required)

Share by: