Often, if there is one person who really cares about an endeavour, and is invested to see it through, good things grow. It takes time. A belief has to be held onto through the duration- and someone else needs to come along and support the belief.
Twelve months ago, Bembit Bag-Rook Community Centre didn’t exist. Tucked away in a new development where houses spring up as fast as the grass does grow, this new meeting place has been welcoming families since the beginning of the year.
It is said that positive energy attracts more positive energy. Indeed, a positive mindset creates opportunities and Rajashree Sahoo has done that at Boorai playgroup.
In the burgeoning community of Tarneit, families, mothers especially, are seeking out early years spaces to connect and share.
“These mums really want to come and talk to someone, to express their feelings,” said Rajashree, who began the playgroup.
“I am doing whatever I can to make them happy.”
On the day we visit, it is Halloween. Although this custom is still fairly new to Australian audiences, Rajashree likes to incorporate a myriad of celebrations, having fun and making everyone feel welcome. There are cookies available for the sweet ‘Trick or Treaters’ and homemade puppets to play with.
“My mindset is that we need to respect every culture and find some time to celebrate each other and these activities.”
“I always try and do whatever the celebration is and every culture should be respected. I plan on doing the Diwali as well, which is Indian.”
Over the course of the morning, new mums drop in.
“We have lots of families from different cultural backgrounds. It is a multicultural group.”
Narkamal wandered in, having noticed the playgroup while at the kinder. Her daughter is delighted with the toys and other children to play with. She is enjoying herself, and so too is Narkamal.
“It’s a good experience. Just have a chit chat and relax for two hours. It’s good!”
Rajashree knows that if she can create a positive experience for others, it benefits her child, and herself, too. The feel-good effect is shared around.
“I like to engage my child as well. He loves this place so that’s why I’m here.”
“I find it relaxing, I’m happy and happy as a mum as well. He’s happy and that is why I’m happy.”
The children attending Boorai playgroup were either newly born or toddlers during Melbourne’s lockdowns. To now have these regular interactions, a sense of fun and celebration, is comforting.
Rajashree attended playgroup online during the pandemic and was inspired by the connection. She said it was something they looked forward to. A routine. Something uplifting, engaging and fun. She loved the different activities and warmth of the playgroup presenters who became so reassuring.
She now brings that to life at Bembit Bag-Rook.
Leesa, from Wyndham City Council, said that one of the best things about Bembit Bag-Rook is that it is in walking distance for lots of families, reducing isolation for new residents.
She said that community playgroups can be a hard thing to get up and going, due to the voluntary aspect but as demonstrated here, they can change not only the lives of those who take part, but their mindsets.
Leesa said that Rajashree has done an amazing job starting this new playgroup. The connections extend into the community and those within the community are empowering themselves.
“Playgroup gives families a chance to connect with others in the community, they can share their own stories and build relationships. They will be able to share knowledge and support each other if needed,” said Leesa.
“It’s a really nice way to create communities within communities.”
The playgroup has now been successfully running for a full term.
“The 'Boorai' means 'Baby' or 'Child' in Wurundjeri language,” said Rajashree. “I am inspired by aboriginal language and chose the name of our playgroup where every child is welcome and we provide them the opportunity to grow.”
Bembit means flower and Bag-Rook means women in the Bunurong language. The Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation collaborated with the Wyndham City Council to come up with the community centre name Bembit Bag-Rook, signifying the original owners of the land and a safe space for maternal and child health visits, kindergarten sessions, playgroup sessions and family gatherings.
The newly established building is having life breathed into it through art, culture, conversation. The noticeboard is overflowing with activities and opportunities. A mural by local artist Madi Mercer features native animals. Birds fly overhead with broad outstretched wings. A large tree extends its branches and a family hold a newborn beneath.
“This artwork is a response to not being able to live the way my heart desires - to live on Country, enjoying peace with the land, skies and waters,” said Madi.
“I dream of living within a loving, supportive community, living sustainably in collaboration with each other and what the Earth provides, and being deeply grounded and immersed within Culture.”
There are recognisable faces captured in the artwork. It is bringing the outside in, it is bringing feelings of place and belonging, it is encouraging a sense of Country and kinship.
“I love nature,” said Rajashree, gesturing outside. You can see that she has ideas and is trying to reach out and capture them, moulding them into something tangible.
It is clear that the women in this playgroup also love colour and creativity.
When gathered on the mat for storytime, some children continue to play in the background, but the connection and attention in the room becomes focused when the music begins.
Something utterly human, music is in us and is remembered. Even when it is not our first language, or we have only heard the song once, we absorb the melody and it picks up the group like a fallen leaf in wind. Up it goes, soaring and free.
That is the feeling- to be immersed in the moment here at Boorai playgroup. For a time, responsibilities and worries brushed aside. United by voice and timing, creativity, family and care.
Bembit, flowers, continue to grow through all of Melbourne’s seasons and change. Flowers, although denoting delicacy, are also strong and resilient, medicinal and beautiful and do well when grown together. These women, Bag-Rook, at playgroup, are all those strengths, too.
Leesa believed in Rajashree and Rajashree believes that playgroup can and does make a difference in people's lives. As she grows, so does her child, so does her community, so does the belief.
Connect and join Boorai Playgroup: booraibembit.playgroup@gmail.com
Article by Sinead Halliday
Photography by Mylie Nauendorf