Balaang Healing
(Women’s Home / Place Of Healing)
Healing On Country
Balaang Healing
Balaang Healing has been developed in response to the social and emotional wellbeing, spiritual, cultural and physical health needs of our community. It has been designed and is led by Aboriginal women under the guidance of our Elders. Their voices are powerful in the design of our healing processes and there is a commitment to pass on cultural knowledge, identity and healing.
It is the role of the Balaang Healing team to create a culturally safe space;support women on their healing journey; witness and reflect back to women where they are at on their journey; create space and opportunities for women to step into their family, community and cultural roles; provide complimentary, narrative, expressive and sacred art therapies to integrate each woman’s experiences; create opportunities for women to connect or re-connect to culture, country, local Elders and communities; and be a conduit for women to access other mainstream services appropriate to their needs.
PREVENT THE SPREAD
Please self-isolate if you have any symptoms of COVID-19, including a sore throat, coughing or sneezing, or flu-like symptoms. Call our reception to make a telehealth appointment with one of our doctors.
Yarning Circles
Topics for Yarning Circles are chosen and facilitated by the participants. Yarning Circles provide an opportunity for the women’s voices to be heard, on issues that directly affect them, in a culturally safe place.
Art Therapy
Art as healing is about art with intention, through the process of creating the piece of art, the woman’s story is reflected back to her and insights are gained. This includes visual/cultural arts such as painting, carving, weaving, as well as dance, song and clap sticks using both traditional and contemporary Aboriginal art practices.
Elders Group’s
Waminda’s Elder’s Group is a time for community Elder’s to come together, maintaining friendships and support for those who are otherwise socially isolated. The program brings women together through yarning circles, and encourages women to participate in other programs within the service, with a focus on individual health needs. The Elder’s Group is important for sharing knowledge and supporting each other.
Women’s Groups
Grandmothers, Aunties, Sistas and daughters gather for a yarn, feed and time out on Country. We may go fishing and collecting, light a fire and have a cook up. Women can create art, share stories or sit in a yarning circle. This is your time to relax and unwind.
Women’s Gatherings
Njinwan Njin Minga Waraga Bhulungwaraga Bunaan Dhugan – Everyone this is Many Mothers, Many Sisters Gathering in Country
These gatherings bring Aboriginal women together from communities around the local area. Women learn from each other and pass down teachings, share stories on country, gather and yarn in circle, make new connections and reconnect, and relax and to enjoy each others company in a safe place. It is a chance to share in song and dance and for Elders of the communities to pass on stories to the younger women and for the younger women to step up and support their Elders.
Waminda provides transport and accomodation for these women to be able to attend, as well as food, spaces to meet, access to medical appointments and any other services needed such as GP’s, Aborginal Health Workers and Counsellors.
Contact Balaang Healing
122 Kinghorne Street, Nowra NSW 2541
Program operating hours are between
9:00am – 4:30pm Monday – Friday
(with 24 hour staff for short term accomodation).
For more information, including appointment times and transport availability, please call;
Waminda Reception: (02) 4421 7400
Free Call: 1800 997 330
Balaang Gunyah FAQ’s
Who Can Access Balaang Gunyah?
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women and women with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander families.
Can I Stay For Respite At Balaang Gunyah?
Yes, but there is a criteria. Please contact us for more information.
Are There Groups Or Activities That Happen At Balaang Gunyah?
Yes, we have activites from Monday to Friday. Please contact us for more information. Also, please note that groups and activity times can change depending on Covid-19 restrictions.
Balaang Gunyah Referral Form
Prevent The Spread
Please click here to find out more information about COVID-19 and how it has affected Waminda services. Please self-isolate if you have any symptoms of COVID-19, including a sore throat, coughing or sneezing, or flu-like symptoms. Call our reception to make a telehealth appointment with one of our doctors.
Our practice has an appointment booking system for all consultations, we can accommodate walk in consultations with the clinical team, but it is encouraged to make a booked appointment. On arrival you will be triaged by an Aboriginal health worker prior to seeing the Doctor. If you are unable to attend face to face due to symptoms, we have the option of a telehealth appointment.