Bush Chaplain Ric Payne shares her experience walking alongside the Nhanda community at the Northampton Old School Community Initiative (NOSCI) art workshop, where art, culture and Country come together at Ku’arlu Mangga (Good Nest) Art Gallery. In her own words, Ric shares what this journey with the Nhanda community has meant to her.
The NOSCI art workshop: A place to yarn, create and connect
The Ku’arlu Mangga Art Gallery and community art space in Northampton is where people gather to yarn, make art, and welcome visitors and other community art groups for conversation and the sharing of skills. For several years, artists from the space have been invited to exhibit in the Revealed: New and Emerging WA Aboriginal Artists Exhibition in Perth.
For over three years, I’ve been visiting the Nhanda community at NOSCI. I’ve built relationships, admired their artwork, mentored some of the artists, and shared the work of Frontier Services along the way. It’s been a privilege to walk beside them through life’s ups and downs, and to be part of their world.
From Country to fabric
Over the past few months, the artists have worked under the direction of lead artist and Gallery Manager, Mauretta. They’ve drawn and etched their designs onto lino tiles, tested ink colours on paper, chosen their fabric, and printed their designs using foam blocks glued to the lino.
Over three days, stunningly beautiful pieces were created, each depicting the artist’s deep connection to Country. The inspiration came from a visit on day one to Galena, on the banks of the Murchison River in the northern reaches of the Midwest Remote Region, where each artist found ideas simply by observing, and being in, the natural environment of Country. And, of course, there was plenty of yarning too.
On days five and six, the printed fabrics were cut and sewn into tablecloths. Further sewing days are planned ahead to create cushion covers and, later, garments. I helped measure and cut fabric, and showed some of the artists how to use the sewing machines. These machines were donated by people from across the Midwest and Perth through a Facebook call-out via Uniting Church WA Presbytery churches, with two further machines and supplies purchased through a local donation.
A privilege to walk this journey
Thank you so sincerely to Nhanda Elder Colleen, and to Mauretta, for the invitation to join you on Country and share this journey alongside the artists. It’s been an honour to journey with my ‘family’.
As I prepared to leave for the drive home on the last day, one comment struck me. “I love your Frontier Services logo on your car — standing with people in the bush! That’s what you do, Ric. We love you coming here. Thank you!”
Ric’s three years walking alongside the Nhanda community at NOSCI is a beautiful reflection of what Bush Chaplaincy looks like in practice — not just showing up, but staying, building trust, and becoming part of the fabric of community life. Stories like this one remind us that connection across cultures, grounded in genuine relationship and respect, is some of the most meaningful work we do.
Stories like Ric’s are only possible because of the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our Outback Links volunteers, who give their time to walk alongside remote and rural communities across the country. It’s this kind of connection built on trust, presence and genuine relationship that sits at the heart of everything Frontier Services does.
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