RUAH celebrates renaming of Geraldton respite residence to honour traditional owners

Community service provider, RUAH has celebrated the renaming of its Geraldton residence to honour Traditional Owners.

The new name of the centre is “Pijibiji”, meaning caterpillar nest in local language.

Sandra Kelly conducted the welcome to country at the newly renovated yarning circle.

”The word was chosen as it means caterpillar nest; they slowly grow together and the clusters are their home for a short time,” Ms Kelly said. “They move as one down the tree and become vulnerable to the outside world with each other.”

The centre admits vulnerable individuals who are being case-managed by their GPs or psychiatrists, providing personalised support for people in the area who are diagnosed and living with severe, persistent mental health challenges.

The residence is a four-bed temporary respite centre for those experiencing trauma or crisis, located in Mahomets Flats.