Maria travelled from Austria to volunteer with Purple House for six weeks, bringing her experience as a nurse and a long-held interest in Aboriginal culture and healing.
During her time with us, she went on two bush trips, including a visit to Mt Liebig and Yuendumu, these were the most remote places she had ever been!
In Yuendumu, she helped cook with Dadu one of our much-loved aged care clients and past staff members.
“Dadu taught me how to cook kangaroo tails and damper, I was her first assistant. We sang together and she called me her sister.” Maria said.
She also joined patients on a walk to Standley Chasm, exploring beautiful Country and building connections along the way.
Maria was deeply moved by what she saw at Purple House.
“You do really good work here, I am so touched,” she said. “As a nurse, I’ve seen how important it is for people to stay at home when they are sick, and here, you make that possible.”
Her favourite part of volunteering was the sense of community.
“I just loved working together, spending time in the garden, serving people, being part of this marvellous team.”
For Maria, the biggest highlight was spending time in remote communities.
“It was a very special experience. The teams in remote communities are so warm-hearted.”
Her journey to Purple House began many years ago.
“In 1999, I met an Aboriginal woman in Austria who invited me to come and learn about traditional healing. I couldn’t come at the time, but I never forgot. Even though she has since passed, I still wanted to come and learn and that’s how I found Purple House.”
