Stories of Change – Sylvia Winmar

“ I feel a sense of pride as I am setting a positive example for my family, showing them we can be employed, and we can make a big change to our community. I want to encourage and empower others to do the same.”

Sylvia Winmar – Connecting Community for Kids

 

My name is Sylvia Winmar. I am 30 years of age and I am a proud aboriginal woman from Kwinana and surrounding areas. All my family is local to Kwinana where I have lived all my life and I am very well known in our Kwinana community. Before I started work, I was a stay-at-home mum with my 3 dependents taking them to school and playgroup.

I only completed year 9 in high school before I left. I never thought I would come this far with being employed and working.

How did you get involved with CCK?

I started attending Moorditj Kulungar with my eldest child in 2013 when he was just a newborn. This is my last year there as a mum with my youngest child who is 5 now. While attending playgroup with my child I met Bec from CCK. She supported me to start working at CCK after losing my dad in October 2022. It changed my life around, got me on my feet and I started thinking positively about work.

What does your role involve?

In my role at CCK I have been working closely with services and community members to build capacity, share more culture and connect community.

I have been supporting Ngalla Yorga Waangkan Women’s Group, attending weekly meetings and helping to promote cultural awareness and connecting with the community. I also transport the ladies and have put my hand up to be a director, something I would never have thought about 12 months ago.

I support services and embed aboriginal culture and have led mat sessions at both the Child and Parent Centre and Yangebup Family Centre. This involved teaching children Noongar language, reading stories, and leading a children’s Welcome to Country.

I have also completed my Ears2Learn training and am now a trained Ear Screener. I am currently running pop-up Ear Screenings at Kwinana library. 

What changes have there been in your life since you started working?

While working with at CCK I have worked across a variety of areas which has given me the opportunity to learn valuable skills and increase my confidence. I feel a sense of belonging and achievement. Most importantly I feel a sense of pride as I am setting a positive example for my family, showing them, we can be employed, and we can make a big change to our community. I want to encourage and empower others to do the same.

What has been your happiest memory?

My happiest memory so far was attending the intergenerational camp at Myalup Pine Cottages. We did arts and crafts, prepared meals together sharing recipes and held yarning circles. I left camp feeling a strong connection to my culture, my people, and our country.