Perth Voice Interactive

RED DRESS workshops at Fremantle Arts centre are helping Aboriginal women process the disappearance of loved ones and family who have been murdered.

At the workshops, leading Wadjak Yorga artists teach women how to make red patchwork pieces, which will eventually be combined to create a giant red dress – honouring murdered and missing Indigenous women in WA and across the world.

Participants also learn how to create small fabric dolls, which represent the memories of families and storytelling.

Amber Ugle-Hayward says the workshops help her work through the disappearance of her Aunty Beccy.

“In January 2017 our beloved Aunty Beccy went missing in Alice Springs, and since then, we’ve been determined to ensure that her story – and the stories of many others like her – are heard,” Ugle-Hayward says

“Aunty Beccy has never been found.

“For me, the workshops are an opportunity to process my Aunty Beccy’s disappearance with my family. It’s a moment to heal with them.”

Running since October 2024, the workshops teach eco dyeing, weaving, quilting and embroidery, with the giant red dress scheduled to be completed and displayed at Moores Art Space in Fremantle on July 25.

The project is run in conjunction with the Murdered & Missing Indigenous Womens Group.

“The Red Dress Wadjak Arts project gives Aboriginal women a much needed space to acknowledge violence against women which has impacted all our lives and the lives of our mothers and grandmothers under assimilationist native welfare laws and system,” says Dr Hannah McGlade, human rights lawyer and UN Indigenous rights expert.

“This history continues as Aboriginal women are at high risk of family violence as well as sexual assault and murder. 

“The Wadjak Red Dress project supports the human rights of Aboriginal women and families affected by femicide and is being run at the same time as the Seven Sisters UN Communications to CEDAW on behalf of Aboriginal women impacted by violence.

“We are sponsored by the Aboriginal Family Legal Service; if anyone needs held addressing family violence please reach out to AFLS for help.” 

Meanwhile, the public can have a look at the progress made on the giant red dress on March 8 at Fremantle Arts Centre in the Seed Room from 10am-1pm.

Workshop co-ordinator Rachel Riggs says they are currently fundraising to make the project and workshops ongoing.

For Aboriginal Family Legal Service see afls.org.au or call 9355 1502.