In 2017 Sydney Morning Herald Investigative Journalist, Kate McClymont was researching a story on workplace sexual harassment in Australia post the Harvey Weinstein #metoo storm that was engulfing Hollywood and the world.
It was Bridget Ninness along with other women who spoke with Kate McClymont and broke the story on the years of torment she endured by Don Burke as his senior producer on Burke’s Backyard. Bridget had taken legal action against Don Burke for the alleged psychological injury she sustained in the workplace. The matter settled.
Disillusioned, silenced and alone Bridget began her own journey to healing, heavily involving herself in the wisdom of ancient Aboriginal Culture. It was that ‘spirit’ connection that led Bridget to her work in social justice film making.
We are thrilled and indeed grateful to Bridget for her work on CXBank$. She’s the person who has spent many hours, editing our panels together and might I add, we learnt along the way, that next time she will art direct and not leave technology novices to ‘find a way to pre-record panels.’
You can find Bridget’s short self care films in the Self Care Lounge at #CXbanks. These films have been especially prepared for the CX Bank$ Broadcast. We have given you a sneak peak of one of Bridget's short films on self care. This one titled 'Sounding with Keesha' tells the story of how meditation and sounding helped Keesha heal from an abusive relationship. Please enjoy the screening.
“I want all women who have been financially abused, mentally injured to find within themselves their own spirit again, to take the time to reflect on their own self care and journey towards a happier, healthier light moving forward. Women must not define themselves by abuse and that’s what I hope to convey with my short films, the process of healing and self love.” says Bridget
Read Bridget’s Wonderful Self Love Bio
In 2005 Bridget set off on an adventure to find her wild self. She packed only the essentials; a silk robe, some rose oil, a Wendy Saddington CD and 25 years experience as a senior creative in the television industry. She met many great teachers, storytellers and healers along the way. Wisdom was the goal.
It was the old Wizard on the Hill who introduced her to the work of French philosopher Gaston Bachelard - among many other things. Poetics of Space seemed to articulate exactly the conversation she was deeply immersed in with her own soul at that time. Together they created his opus, a book published by Allen & Unwin The Wisdom of Water.
She owes John a debt of thanks, the 80 year old Greek migrant who has operated The Entrance's Golden Gate milkbar since the 1950's. He taught her a thing or two about money. She wasn't the only one to benefit from his advice on financial matters. Once a month the Australian Treasurer would visit John for a milkshake and they would sit down and discuss all aspects of sound financial management for running a country and a small business.
Bridget worked in the homes of the rich and famous refining her special brand of 'cleansing'. Her services as the Elite Domestique and the Elite Dom Mystic are highly sought. She pays homage to her ancestors, her spiritual teachers - the originals of this great Southern land & a few grand dames who guided her on her path.
In a fortuitous meeting with the great Korean Buddhist Master Hung Sen he told her "Your name is no co-incidence. You are an strong bridge between worlds. Use your gifts wisely".
"Thank you Master Hung Sen. I will".
And then there's Nathanael. Wild and mad. He taught her the secrets of the Universe. She taught him a thing too.
Bridget stills shakes her head at the ironic twist life took to get her where she was going. Whilst she set off with lofty ideals of creating a more beautiful, enchanting, exotic, creatively expressive and fulfilling life she wound up scrubbing dunnies and living in her car. There are those who would say those experiences formed her. She says, however, that it was she who formed and reformed her self through those experiences. She acknowledges her privilege by the gift of her family who kept her safe and nurtured through her transformation.
She finally arrived at the place of her dreams and was divinely moved beyond them into realms she could never have imagined through the processes of release and surrender. She is guarded by her beloved Kelpie, Blossom and the eagles & other raptors who soar above her daily to remind her to always take the same view they do. She has been stitched into the realm between the sky and the earth and speaks only in the languages of love and light.
In 2009 she was asked by a politician / lawyer to consider how art & culture could be most effectively used to assist the transformation and evolution of society. This prompted a huge existential inquiry and immersion in everyday life to arrive at the answers.
She is developing a series of stories from that twelve year period that creatively address her charter.
Ultimately she believes love is the answer, though currently redefining what that means. Presently she knows it's "A Man's World" but hopes that one day her work will contribute significantly to it being a better place for everyone.
CXBank$ is an ONLINE webinar style gathering being broadcast on October 10, World Mental Health Day. The event comprises of 3 expert panels discussing the intersection of Domestic and Family Violence, Financial Abuse and Mental Health, a virtual exhibition hall where you can interact with speakers via online chat capability and a self care lounge showcasing Amani Haydar's art and Bridget's short films. Tickets are free and you can get yours at CXbanks.com
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