DISCOVER WEAVING
Where it began
This project began with a simple but powerful conversation between three local women, Lorinda Curnow, founder of Mordi Weavers and a creative arts practitioner, Daniella Hogart, a local healer and facilitator, and Natalie Smith, founder of Listen + Do, Deep Time Walker and Narrative Therapist. They started talking about what it would mean to send someone to learn master weaving from the community in Mapuru, East Arnhem Land, and then bring that knowledge back to share locally. From that idea, something much bigger took shape. Instead of just one person going away and returning, they imagined a whole series of local events and from that DISCOVER WEAVING was born. A series of local events that would bring people together to share knowledge, connect across cultures, and deepen relationship with nature and each other.
Who we’re talking to
We’re talking with local people. The ones already holding connection in quiet and powerful ways. This project is co-created with them. It has grown from ongoing conversations, from time spent listening, and from what is already happening in community. It’s shaped by Lorinda’s experience bringing people together through Mordi Weavers, and the way community has shown up to weave, to share, and to be together. It’s also shaped by many others who carry stories, practices and cultural knowledge, and who are ready to offer that in ways that align with the purpose of DISCOVER WEAVING. This is not about one person leading. It is about making space for many voices, many ways, and shared wisdom. People in community will be able to offer and facilitate their own experiences, guided by the themes of the project and the things that truly matter to all of us.
Emerging insights
People in the City of Kingston are showing strong interest in cultural events that deepen their connection to Indigenous roots, native knowledge, and their own lineages.
There is a growing desire to better understand and (re)member personal and shared relationships with Indigenous Australians and with nature.
Many in the community want to build deeper connections with each other, with the land, and with community itself.
People are looking for creative, immersive ways to do this, not just through words or ideas on paper, but through shared experiences that are felt, embodied and reflective.
Community members value the chance to share their own cultural backgrounds in respectful, open-hearted ways.
There is a genuine sense of wanting to share knowledge and experiences with each other.
The local population is increasingly drawn to culture, nature and connection-based experiences that offer meaning and belonging.
While many people are already offering rich, purposeful events, they are often promoted in isolation, making them harder to find or engage with.
DISCOVER WEAVING aims to bring momentum and energy behind these community-led efforts, offering a shared platform to support visibility and connection.
It provides a way for people in community to come together, participate, and reflect, not just on who we are individually, but on who we are together.
Project stage
Daniella and Natalie are currently shaping the story behind the project and creating a strong, grounded container for community involvement. This stage is about listening, inviting, and making space for what wants to emerge. Interest is already growing from local people who are keen to run events aligned with the themes and purpose of the initiative.
The next step is to seek local funding to support this work. This includes paying community facilitators, covering the costs of coordination, marketing, and creating a central place to hold and promote the events. Funding will also help ensure events are inclusive and accessible, so that all people in the community feel welcome, supported, and able to participate fully.
Role of Listen + Do
Listen + Do brings deep experience in creating a brand that is strong, intentional, and meaningful. We also bring knowledge and practice of designing welcoming facilitated experiences that invite reflection and connection. Listen + Do is leading the branding, messaging, and storytelling for the project. Natalie Smith, founder of Listen + Do, will also be facilitating a Deep Time Walk as part of the series of events. Check out our creds and experience
What’s next
Moving forward, the project will focus on expanding community connections and encouraging people to step into roles as facilitators and storytellers. The team will work on securing funding to provide the necessary resources for event delivery, marketing, and accessibility. Alongside this, they will continue to nurture a welcoming environment where everyone feels invited to engage, reflect, and contribute. The goal is to create a vibrant, ongoing rhythm of gatherings that celebrate culture, nature, and the power of coming together.
Who is invited to collaborate
Community members who want to share their knowledge, stories, and cultural practices
Local artists, weavers, and creative practitioners
Healers, facilitators, and those experienced in guiding group reflection
People interested in deepening connections with Indigenous cultures and nature
Cultural leaders and knowledge holders from diverse backgrounds
Event hosts and organisers who want to support community-led gatherings
Anyone passionate about building stronger community connections through creative, immersive experiences
Those willing to contribute time, skills, or resources to help grow and sustain the project
People in the community who can help DISCOVER WEAVING access grants and funding
If you want to get involved contact Natalie from Listen + Do 💌 hello@listenanddo.com.
A big thank you to Lorinda Curnow for her inspiring contributions, and to Daniella Hogarth.