The Western Australian Museum has partnered with the Department of Justice to welcome a group of women from the Yirra Djinda Program that is run at the Boronia Pre-Release Centre for Women. 

On 11 July, nine women nearing the end of their sentences explored the WA Museum Boola Bardip, guided by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Project Officer Jhameika Bradford. The visit showcased a portion of the Museum’s 10,000 Aboriginal artefacts, focusing on themes of identity and connection to country. 

The Yirra Djinda Program, an initiative of the Department of Justice, emphasises cultural connection and reconnection. Each month, participants choose culturally significant places to visit, and this month, they selected Boola Bardip to view the Aboriginal cultural collection. 

Loraine Pryor, founder of Voice of Hope, accompanied the group. Voice of Hope supports incarcerated and formerly incarcerated Aboriginal women through cultural programs, aiming to facilitate community connection and assist in the transition back to family and employment. 

Western Australian Museum CEO Alec Coles highlighted how the visit's alignment with the Museum's social justice initiatives, including those that responded to the high incarceration rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. He emphasised the Museum's role in fostering inclusivity and community engagement. 

“Museums are important places for everyone to connect with history, culture, and community. We are pleased that the women chose the WA Museum Boola Bardip as the place to come for cultural connection as part of the healing journey.”  

Deborah Alexander, Yirra Djinda Program Coordinator, Boronia Pre-release Centre for Women, said the program focussed on cultural education and positive social networks to help the women successfully reintegrate into the community.  

“Visiting and interacting with cultural institutions such as the WA Museum helps cultivate cultural knowledge, learning, and assists in developing self-esteem. Some of the women were so excited and proud to discover their families, going back many generations, were represented in the museum. And that they were recognised as a part of WA’s history.” 

The Western Australian Museum continues its dedication to preserving and sharing Western Australia’s shared histories and cultures, particularly through the perspectives, voices, and stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.