In a town of just over 15,000 people—where familiar faces often pass like ships in the night—the Social Fabric Project – weaving stories together dropped anchor in Kepa Kurl, Esperance – and created a rare moment of meaningful connection.
On June 3rd, the Social Fabric Project proudly presented a storytelling workshop led by acclaimed South African writer and activist Sisonke Msimang. What unfolded was more than a workshop; it was a coming together of community. A room of strangers became a circle of storytellers. Sisonke opened the session with a deceptively simple prompt: describe where you’re from without naming the place.
“I am from.. a place where you can hear the crashing waves in the still of the evening, the wind blowing and sand stinging on your wet legs from a dip in the ice-cold saltwater ocean, a bay of islands that create a safety [net] of waves for my kids to soothe their soles, the saltwater washing over them to cope with life pressures, I am from Kepa Kurl, Esperance”.
“I am from.. golden temples and red rubies, humid rainforest jungles, a place of mystical creatives, and where kindness and resilience co-exist. I am from Burma”.
“I am from.. majestic mountains and grey skies, from the rubble of memories, bullets and tanks, and the place of empanadas and vino tinto, churrascos, payas and cheeky smiles. I am from Chile”.
From there, the evening flowed with memories and shared reflections, as stories of food became the ignition for deeper intercultural connections—stories of matriarchal wisdom, cultural resilience and kinship, and the intimate rituals of traditional cooking. Participant Lydia spoke of sweet reeds from Botswana farms; Jimena recalled cooking pots large enough to feed a hundred grandchildren. Through hand-written words and open hearts, collective stories emerged— of belonging, identity, and unexpected generosity.
As the evening closed, Nyungar woman from Esperance Kepa Kurl and Manager at Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation, Anna Bonney summed up the impact beautifully “I’ve seen these people around town so many times,” she reflected, “I feel more connected to them now, because I know their story”.
This is exactly what the Social Fabric Project has been developed to nurture: moments where First Nations and multicultural voices are heard, celebrated, and held with care. Where the question “Where are you from?” is met not with hesitation but with poetry, memory, and agency.
A big thank you to Sisonke and everyone who shared their story at the event. This is just the beginning. The Social Fabric Project looks forward to bringing more storytelling, connection, and cultural celebration to the Esperance region and beyond.
Social Fabric is a two-year arts, culture, and community program launched in the Goldfields-Esperance region. It aims to amplify underrepresented voices, particularly First Nations and multicultural communities, by creating culturally safe and inclusive models of engagement. Social Fabric is presented in collaboration with Esperance Community Arts, Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation, and Tjuma Pulka 96.3 FM. The project is funded by the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund Regional Arts Australia, the Minderoo Foundation, Lotterywest, and Healthway to promote positive health outcomes for our communities.
We honour and respect the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we gather and operate, acknowledging their enduring connection to Country, culture, and spirituality.
We recognise the resilience and strength of First Nations peoples, their rich cultural heritage, and the ongoing importance of their knowledge and practices. We are committed to fostering cultural equity and understanding with First Nations people across WA.
Natalie de Rozario
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