Yarning with Jodi Jones at Devonport Library

About the Living Knowledge Project

The Living Knowledge Project is a partnership between Devonport Library and local palawa people.

At its heart, the project is a year-long residency program, offering a platform for Tasmanian Aboriginal people to share their personal journeys through the ancient art of yarning and storytelling. 13 palawa Elders and knowledge holders will be in residence at Devonport Library over a 12 month period, beginning in June 2024.

In a local library setting traditionally associated with the written word, this initiative represents a groundbreaking opportunity to integrate oral traditions and Tasmanian Aboriginal perspectives into the mosaic of knowledge dissemination, information access, learning and connection.

About Jodi Jones

Jodi is a descendent of ploorernelle, tareenootairer of the pinteraireer North East, Cape Portland, Mussel Roe River.

Jodi has dedicated much of her life to supporting Aboriginal people, their families, and communities.

Jodi commenced fulltime work at the Riawunna Centre for Education at the University of Tasmania in Hobart in 1991, working alongside Lyell Wilson and Greg Lehman. She also worked for the Australian Federal government and not for profit organisations in areas of early education and childhood development, Aboriginal services, Aboriginal education and training, and Aboriginal employment.

Jodi has been involved delivering numerous initiatives for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Tasmania and other states and territories; including working with the Australian Defence Force and Police, establishing an alternate education school in Victoria and working in Tenant Creek in the Northern Territory.

Personally pursuing psychology, Jodi was drawn to the profession after experiencing the devastating impact loss and grief had on her family, leading her to want to create outward change.

Jodi is currently completing a Master of Education and working fulltime with the Primary Health Network. She is fortunate to have been awarded the Celia Bevan Scholarship, Tracy Westerman Scholarship and Puggy Hunter Scholarships during her academic journey and the first Palawa graduate of Dr Tracy Westerman AM.

Jodi is passionate about social justice and ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a voice and are agents in their own self-determination.

To ensure a successful event, please:

• Don't attend if you are unwell

• Let us know if you can’t attend so we can offer your place to someone else

• Practice COVID safe behaviours

• Let us know if you have any support needs, or if a support person will be coming with you.

Accessibility:

• The multi-level car park (corner of Best Street and Fenton Way) provides disabled access parking, lift access and flat walking surfaces between the car park and the paranaple centre. Council parking fees apply.

• Entrance to the paranaple centre is via automatic doors at both Market Square and Rooke Street entrances. The Market Square entrance offers universal access and is available at the touch of a button, providing ease for patrons with access difficulties.

• Inside the paranaple centre, Devonport Library is located on both ground and first floors. Escalators, lifts and stairs are available to take you between the two floors. A parent and child room is situated on the ground floor and accessible toilets are available on all floors.

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Host or Publisher Devonport Library