Melton residents got hands on this week for a Traditional Basket Weaving class as part of the City of Melton Learning Festival.
On Thursday September 5 from 1 – 2.30pm at the Mt Atkinson Children’s and Community Centre, participants attended a sold out session to learn the traditional art of basket weaving.
For 90 minutes, Bunurong/Boonwurrung and Wiradjuri woman Samantha Bennett led the teachings, which connected traditional practices with meaningful art.
Anyone from beginners to experienced weavers had the opportunity to learn how to craft baskets by utilising unique techniques and intertwining stories of Indigenous culture and connection with natural elements.
Basket weaving is a long standing tradition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and is considered an ancient craft.
This year marked the sixth edition of the learning festival, which aims to celebrate knowledge for all ages and abilities.