Waminda, an Aboriginal Women’s Health and Wellbeing organisation situated on the South Coast of New South Wales, proudly announces a trailblazing national event highlighting Indigenous female leadership.
Set to take place on the Lands of the Jerrinja, Wandiwandian, and Wodi Wodi Peoples from 17 to 19 September, our inaugural three-day gathering will showcase the strength and vision of Indigenous female leaders, paving the way for self-determined futures.
Waminda is led and governed by Community Elders and an all-female leadership group. We embody resilience and empowerment to deliver strengths-based health and wellbeing services grounded in cultural practices.
In a historic move, this event extends an invitation to Indigenous and non-Indigenous women and non-binary peoples alike, fostering unity and collaboration to empower the next generation of leaders to drive community led solutions.
Distinguished keynote speakers, including June Oscar, Inaugrual Chair, TheWiyi Yani U Thangani Institute for First Nations Gender Justice and Professor Yvette Roe, Director of the Molly Wardaguga Institute for First Nations Birth Rights will lead discussion to contribute to a deeper understanding of the pivotal role played by First Nations leaders in fostering vibrant communities.
Panel and breakout sessions will delve into topics such as leadership, Nation-building, sovereignty, youth leadership, policy advocacy, and the post-referendum landscape.
Waminda prides itself in being culturally safe and delivering holistic services for women and Aboriginal families. Our legacy continues across the South Coast with the new Gudjaga Gunyahlamai Birth Centre, a milestone achievement not only in the region, but in the country, and for our People.
The event promises to foster knowledge exchange, learning, and networking opportunities specifically for women and non-binary peoples in advocacy, policy, program and service delivery roles.
Registrations are now open, with early bird tickets available until 30 July 2024. For more information visit https://waminda.org.au/40-year-conference/
Background
Started in the early 80s, Waminda was established following community concern about a lack of health services available for Aboriginal women and children.
Difficulty accessing mainstream health services and often the lack of cultural understanding meant there were a number of contentious issues around women’s health. Aboriginal women suffered with lifestyle problems, social and emotional ill-health, isolation and stress.
In 1984 an Aboriginal Women’s Health Centre was established. This was in response to the community’s need to have a service especially for Aboriginal women. The centre was funded by the Health Department to service Aboriginal families living in the Shoalhaven area. This service was funded under the auspice of Jilimi the Shoalhaven Women’s Health and Resource Corporation.
In the late 1980’s a change of incorporation occurred, Jilimi no longer existed and the South Coast Women’s Health and Welfare Aboriginal Corporation – Waminda was established in 1990.
It has been important for Waminda to take an active role in influencing mainstream services to be more culturally sensitive and to improve access for Aboriginal Peoples.
This inaugural event honours our Elders past and the journey established by and for our People.
Media enquires
For media enquiries or further information, please contact media@waminda.org.au or info@33cteative.com.au
