Thanks to the generous support of the Order of Malta, the Intergenerational Sewing Workshops hosted at the Spirituality Centre, Santa Teresa in the Northern Territory became a vibrant hub of creativity, cultural sharing, and intergenerational connection during a week-long sewing workshop that brought together nineteen Arrernte women of all ages.

What began as a simple idea – to create a safe and empowering space for women to sew together – grew into something much deeper: a celebration of cultural continuity, community resilience, and the powerful bonds between elders and younger generations.

 

An Opportunity for Learning, Sharing, and Belonging

The intergenerational sewing project was created with a clear aim: to bring Arrernte women together in a supportive environment where sewing becomes a bridge between generations. Through this creative practice, elders pass on cultural knowledge, identity, and values while younger women build confidence and belonging.

Participants engagement exceeded expectations. Women sewed from 9:00 am until well after 5:00 pm, demonstrating extraordinary enthusiasm and commitment. Some participants joined after work and brought younger family members along, creating a lively environment full of conversation, laughter, and storytelling.

The atmosphere was positive, encouraging, and full of intergenerational learning.

 

Building Skills, Meeting a Need and Developing Confidence

With materials and equipment made available through project funding participants strengthened their sewing abilities, learned machine operation, and practiced creative problem-solving.

They explored:

• Clothing alterations
• Hemming and resizing garments
• Pattern and product design
• Creative sewing techniques

The project appealed to all the generations. Younger women gained confidence and a sense of achievement as they completed items they could immediately use. Elders reflected on skills taught to them by their mothers, grandmothers, and the OLSH sisters, finding joy in passing this knowledge to the next generation.

Participants designed and produced practical and meaningful items such as:

• Pillows
• Curtains
• Skirts
• Shoulder bags

They also developed everyday skills like altering clothing – a major need identified in the community. As confidence grew, designs became more intricate and personalised.

These items were not only functional but deeply valued, reflecting community needs and celebrating culture through creativity.

 

Unexpected Outcomes and a Vision for the Future

One of the most exciting outcomes was the momentum created for future opportunities.

During the workshops, the coordinator of the Santa Teresa Aged Care Centre committed to establishing a permanent sewing room for community women. Participants have also expressed a strong desire for the workshops to continue next year, highlighting the long-term value of this initiative.