Pension Day when I was young mum

'Pension day is a big day for community in Titjikala. I raised my family in Titjikala so it has a special place in my heart. This was when I was young mother. I left in 2002, moving to Amoonguna to be near my grandchildren. Since then I'm a dialysis patient. I don't get back to Titjikala. I have to live in a hostel in Alice Springs. But I remember how it was so well. I know from family and friends, it's the same.

Everyone from all around - outstations and in town - drive down to the main street in town on Pension Day. They visit Centrelink, do their banking at the Community Store, do their shopping, visit the nurse at the Health Centre, or the Doctor if he's visiting, they visit each other, and they visit the art centre, where I used to paint. All the dogs follow everyone around town. They're looking for treats. Everyone is happy to be there. The day sees everyone smiling, dogs too! There's lots of cars, lots of people, lots of babies, lots of kids, and lots of dogs.

Everyone is smiling. The streets are busy. It feels really good to see everyone out and about.

And then at night time, same day, everyone goes to sing along, in language - Pitjantjatjara - at the Lutheran Church —singing Gospel. That feeling in my chest— feels really good — when everyone is singing together. The music goes right through me. Then singing finished until next time. Everyone goes home until next time. Everyone settles into sleepy time again.

As soon as mobile dialysis services are here, I'll be going back there to visit, and I can enjoy Pension Day, and singing Gospel in language with community, again.'