Our stories Bronwyn’s artistry
Self-taught artist and Housing Choices resident Bronwyn is a Yamaji woman from the small mining town of Yalgoo, about 225km from Geraldton in Western Australia. Bronwyn became a Housing Choices WA tenant two years ago after Cyclone Seroja hit Mullewa, where she was living, and ripped the roof off her home leaving her and her six grandchildren homeless. “There were no properties in my hometown so I had to go to Perth where an advocate from Save the Children got me an interview with Holly [Housing Choices Tenancy Services Coordinator] and she said we can get housing for you,” Bronwyn said. “I went through the process, and I think I started crying, I was so happy for Holly to say that.” At home now in Gosnells, Bronwyn is a carer for up to six of her grandchildren who are all under the age of 16. When Bronwyn has a quiet moment, she sets up her kitchen table and paints, creating artwork connected to stories from her family and culture. “It brings me peace and I love seeing the different reactions people have to my art,” she said. Bronwyn first entered the WA Tenant Art Showcase in 2022 with Alex Kepes, Tenant Engagement and Capacity Building Officer, encouraging her to participate. Two of her paintings sold at the 2023 art show, which has given her the confidence to continue painting. She plans to apply for the Opportunities Fund, which assists tenants in achieving their education, training, employment, health and/or wellbeing goals. The fund will help Bronwyn purchase new canvases and art supplies to continue painting.
Bronwyn and her granddaughter Taysharn pictured with painting Boxing Roos .
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Housing Choices Australia - Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024 - 2026
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