JAHNAVI SIVARAJAH'S PILBARA EXPERIENCE: A JOURNEY OF LEARNING AND RESILIENCE

Jahnavi Sivarajah, a young Australian with Indian and Singapore-Malaysian roots, recently spent eight days doing work experience at Ngaarda Media in Roebourne. Reflecting on her decision to pursue this opportunity, Jahnavi shared that it was a suggestion from her father, who thought it would be a fun and enriching experience. "My dad thought it would be a funny experience to go away somewhere," she said, highlighting how her parents, who once lived in the region, helped her connect with Ngaarda Media. During her time there, Jahnavi learned a range of new skills, from editing to writing articles. “I didn’t know how to edit anything before coming here. Now I can do it," she explained, emphasizing how much she had grown in just a short time.

One of the most memorable parts of her experience was working on a piece about Auntie Wendy, a local woman with an inspiring story of resilience. "Her story was really interesting," Jahnavi recalled, noting how Auntie Wendy had been left behind as a child in the 1950s and had to rebuild her life on her own. "I could really see how trauma can impact a person, but also how Wendy found joy in her artwork and is now writing her second book," Jahnavi said. Aside from the work, Jahnavi also noticed stark differences between rural Roebourne and her urban life in Sydney. "The weather and the transport are so different," she said, adding that in Roebourne, driving is essential, and everything moves at a slower pace. Overall, Jahnavi’s time in the Pilbara left a lasting impression, and she found beauty in both the landscape and the people. "What I found interesting about the Pilbara is the land – it’s beautiful, with soil that’s so rich and red," she reflected.

Listen to her chat with Tangiora Hinaki.