Doris Thomas Day and night, Titjikala pension day

I grew up in Titjikala in the Northern Territory. Ration day became pension day. Now I live in an Aboriginal hostel in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), but I remember how it was. I know from family, it’s the same. Everyone from outstations and town drives down the main street by day. Everyone smiling, dogs too! There’s lots of cars, people, babies, kids and dogs. It feels really good to see everyone out and about.

And then at night-time, everyone goes along, singing gospel in Pitjantjatjara at the Lutheran church. Then finished until next time. Everyone goes home until next time. Everyone settles into sleepy time again.

Doris Thomas, 2020