My name is Cynthia Cox, and I come from Yiyili Community, located 175 km from Fitzroy Crossing and 125 km from Halls Creek in the Kimberley Region of Western Australia. Yiyili is home to approximately 100 people and serves as a central hub for nearby outstation communities like Pullout Springs and Guninyi Community.

I am deeply motivated to establish an opshop in Yiyili to assist those who are less fortunate. Many of our elders face challenges, including a lack of transportation to nearby towns and financial difficulties in purchasing essential items. During funerals, which are important cultural events in our community, there is often a shortage of funds for basic necessities like clothes, shoes, and flowers. Cold weather is also a concern, with many adults and children going without warm clothing, shoes, or socks.

The establishment of the opshop will address these pressing needs while also supporting important community activities. We aim to host regular movie nights and Sunday BBQs, providing meals for our elders and creating spaces for everyone to come together. This initiative is crucial for our community, offering a helping hand to those in need and building stronger connections within Yiyili.

Yiyili is a large Aboriginal community situated 110 km west of Halls Creek, on the fringe of the Margaret River floodplain. The community was founded in 1981, when Gooniyandi leaders like Norman Cox and Mervyn Street, along with the help of Steve Hawke, petitioned the State Government to create their own community on land excised from a Station pastoral lease. Since then, Yiyili has moved at least three times due to flooding, but it remains a strong and resilient place, deeply connected to its people and culture.

In those early days, the Gooniyandi people were determined to build their own school rather than send their children to distant boarding schools. Today, Yiyili Independent School caters to students from kindergarten to Year 10, not only from Yiyili but also from surrounding outstations such as Ganinyi, Girriyoowa, Goolgaradah, Kurinyu, and Rocky Springs. The school even runs a daily bus service to collect students from other communities like Moongardie, 30 km away.

In 1990, Yiyili built its own clinic and store, and by 1996, a community office building was established. The store, proudly owned by the people of Yiyili, continues to serve the community. Art, painting, carving, and craft making have always been important parts of local culture, and in 1998, the Laarri Art Gallery was officially opened, providing a space for the community’s artistic traditions to thrive.

With the establishment of the opshop, we hope to continue strengthening our community, offering support to elders and families, and ensuring that Yiyili remains a place where culture and compassion are at the heart of everything we do. Thank you for your support in helping us make a positive difference.