Bloodwood Tree celebrates 45 years with birthday concert

More than 500 locals gathered at the South Hedland Town Square to commemorate the 45th birthday of the Bloodwood Tree Association. Drawing its name from a tree used by Indigenous people for centuries to heal and help the sick, the wholly Aboriginal-controlled institution offers support services for Aboriginal people, and was founded in 1977. The organisation was created during one of the first mining booms in the area, which saw Aboriginal people displaced from Port Hedland to the newly constructed town site of South Hedland. It provides services and support to at-risk Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients who might be affected by homelessness, alcohol and other drug use, unemployment or other social issues. The 45th birthday celebration was held on November 5 and featured a moving welcome to country by Uncle Alfred Barker as well as a slew of live musical performances from local and out of town artists. Highlights of the night included the presentation of life membership to longstanding members as well as performances from renowned singer-songwriter Stephen Pigram and the Bigroom Band as well as Strelley band, the Yurti Band. Pigram, who tempted fate by performing a rain dance song, finished his set with his own rendition of a birthday song honouring the night and the Bloodwood Tree Association. Bloodwood Tree Association chair Chris Turland said all the feedback received for the 45th birthday party had been positive. “Saturday night was a great celebration of the 45 years of service that Bloodwood Tree Association has given to the Hedland community and the East Pilbara region,’ he said. “We have been there for Hedland families and individuals in their times of need for 45 years. We are still going strong and we are planning to be here supporting local people for at least another 45 years.” Bloodwood Tree Association chief executive Don Sutherland thanked retiring chief executive Kelly Howlett for her help in organising the event. “Saturday’s birthday bash was one of Kelly’s final activities at Bloodwood Tree before she moves on to the next chapter in her life,” she said. South Hedland officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Gordon Armstrong said South Hedland police were very supportive of Bloodwood Tree Association’s 45th birthday celebration and concert. “It was a well-organised event and there were no major incidents from our perspective, it was great to see a successful and alcohol-free event enjoyed by local families and the South Hedland community.”