Providing people with a chance to get out and have a conversation is what the Aunty Jean's Program in Yass is all about.
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Every Wednesday at noon for the past five years, a group of women and men have been getting together over lunch.
Each person brings a plate of healthy food to the table and the next hour, or sometimes two, is full of chatter.
Stories and troubles are free to share at Aunty Jean's catch-ups.
"Everyone can talk about their issues, whether they're happy or sad," Ngunnawal Aboriginal elder Pamela Bell said.
It's a welcome break from a busy routine for Aboriginal person Jennifer Scott. She has been coming to the Aunty Jean's meetings for about two years and considers it a support group. She said it's time set aside for her.
Aunty Pam waited a few years for the program to come to Yass and is thrilled to see it working well.
"If it's good weather we come to the park and if it's bad weather we go to the Aboriginal Land Council or Ngunnawal Community Care," she said.
"There's lots to look forward to: we have our Christmas Day event where we go to the pool, have lunch and everyone brings a $5 present; we have our fundraisers and we play at the Koori Mini Olympics," she said.
Wollongong is the destination of this year's Mini Olympics and the group has already organised its bus and was setting aside a time to make its flag last Wednesday.
The Mini Olympics invite Aunty Jean's members from across the state to take part in a variety of games including basketball, discus and javelin.
It's the biggest event of the year for members and an opportunity to socialise and take part in exercise.
The program is named after the late Aboriginal elder Aunty Jean Morris who was well-known in the Illawarra region and for promoting Aboriginal health and culture.
Today, it aims to promote a healthy lifestyle for Aboriginal people with/or at risk of chronic illness.
Although, the Aunty Jean's group in Yass is open to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal men and women, recognising the benefits of regular community support to everyone. The only requisite is that members are aged 15 and over.
Aboriginal advocate Bob Buffington was appointed as the Yass coordinator of Aunty Jean's Program five weeks ago. "I think it's great," he said.
Call the Onerwal Local Aboriginal Land Council in Yass on 6226 5349 if you'd like more information.
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