Toolbox Yarns

Once a fortnight at Lot Fourteen, tools are put down at 10am and construction workers file into the open courtyard or an empty room, where they hear from Aboriginal leaders, educators or anyone with a story to share. The talks are no longer than a smoko break (10-20mins), making them easily digestible; then it's back to work - with plenty to think about. While the former Royal Adelaide Hospital site is a hub for the wide range of entrepreneurs and the emerging future and creative industries it houses, it's also the workplace of many construction workers and sub-contractors employed on the next big projects there, such as the Australian Space Agency, and soon the Aboriginal Arts and Cultures Centre. Designed to build a greater understanding between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal cultures, the Toolbox Yarns series was built specifically for this group, after stemming from discussions during Reconciliation Week - "why do we only talk about reconciliation and race during this week?". The short fortnightly sessions, a partnership between Aboriginal civil and construction company RAWsa, an Aboriginal civil construction company; Lot Fourteen; the SA Government and the Kaurna Nations Cultural Heritage Association, are open to all construction workers and subcontractors onsite, offering the opportunity to learn about Aboriginal culture and history at work.