The women who receive this blessing have faced difficulties on their journey to Australia. They are all starting new lives in the Northern Territory. Red Cross supports them along the way through the Connected Women program.
The ceremony deepens a sense of belonging and offers a moving healing experience. The significance of these traditional ceremonies are deeply felt.
“I feel really brave after that water blessing and start to think positive,” Munia from Bangladesh says.
“I was broken from six years ago when we have to leave the country and move to Australia to find our safe life with our kids. When I think about it, it really makes me broken, but this smoke ceremony helps me to think positive and lift me from dark.”
Fringed by trees, Yulin is a significant meeting and law place for the local Wumelamelawun people.
"If we don't welcome people our way, it will be their loss. So it's our responsibility," May says.
“Such ceremonies should be attended by every visitor to Aboriginal land. This is important to know their culture beliefs, value system and their lifestyle in overall” Anup from Nepal said after the ceremony."