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Over 4 days, AHWA officers Leanne McDonagh and Tiffany Blurton visited multiple communities to share information about AHWA services, support people to begin or continue their family history journeys and strengthen relationships with local stakeholders.

The visit began in Kalgoorlie, where more than 40 community members attended a drop‑in session at the Goldfields Arts Centre. Attendees had the opportunity to yarn with the AHWA team about accessing records, researching family connections and learn more about available support. While in Kalgoorlie, the team also met with key organisations including Link-Up, legal services and other community groups. 

From there, AHWA travelled to Laverton to host a session at Pakaanu Aboriginal Corporation. The session provided a welcoming space for participants to ask questions, share stories and learn more about how AHWA can assist with family history research.

After a hot 41‑degree day on the road, the team arrived in Leonora to cooler, rainy conditions. They held sessions at the new Women’s Hub run by Nyunnga Ku Aboriginal Corporation and later at the Waalitj Foundation office, with strong interest from local community members keen to learn more about their family histories.

The final stop was Coolgardie, where AHWA hosted a stall at the MEEDAC Goldfields Community & Employment Expo. The expo provided an excellent opportunity to connect with community members, service providers and stakeholders, and to share information about AHWA’s services with a broad audience.

With many kilometres covered, strong community engagement and positive feedback throughout the journey, the Goldfields visit was a valuable opportunity to support Aboriginal people to access their histories and strengthen connections across the region.

Photo: AHWA Cultural Engagement Officer Leanne McDonagh and Research Officer Tiffany Blurton in the Goldfields