South West Aboriginal Women's Collective

22/10/2025

Anyone in Busselton who can lend an electric blanked or oil heater for a couple weeks, we have a family staying at caravan park in camper trailer. Please message Michelle on 0429980264.

18/10/2025

❗Update from the WA Electoral Commission:

The WAEC will try to deliver as many election results as possible this evening.

However, in some cases, results may take longer. This can occur due to factors such as:
🔹Recounts
🔹A high number of candidates
🔹Large volumes of votes returned close to the deadline

For the first time, provisional results will be published on the WA Electoral Commission website after close of voting today. The Commission is sharing these early results to keep you informed during the formal counting and verification process.

Keep track of the local vote here: https://www.elections.wa.gov.au/

18/10/2025

After connecting with the Bernice and Kat from Yanalangami Changemakers at the Kimberley Aboriginal Women's Council Leadership Roundtable our South West Aboriginal Women's Collective would love the opportunity host this program across the South West, we would love to hear from women from each of our towns to confirm their interest in participating or possibly becoming being a trainer... Please send an email to swawc6230@gmail.com to confirm your interest with subject line Yanalangami Changemakers Program. So good to see our very own harnett amongst this mob 🩷

A group of Aboriginal women in Broome have completed the Yanalangami 'Train the Trainer' program, paving the way for the leadership and wellbeing course to be delivered locally on Yawuru Country.The p...

18/10/2025

We want to take a moment to acknowledge SWAWC member Charmaine May for her incredible leadership and commitment to community — not only through her role as CEO of Goomburrup Aboriginal Corporation in Bunbury, but also through her decision to nominate for council in her home Shire of Harvey.

Charmaine continues to lead by example, showing what it means for Aboriginal women to step into spaces where decisions are made. Representation at the local level matters — because this is where real, tangible change happens. When women like Charmaine put their hand up for leadership, they bring the voices, values, and lived experiences of our communities directly into those decision-making rooms.

Her courage and dedication remind us that change starts when we take our seat at the table, ensuring that Aboriginal voices and women’s perspectives are not only heard but help shape the future of our regions and families.

We also wish to acknowledge those who walk along beside us, who recognised the value of lived experience, and who help turn our voices and ideas into real action for the wellbeing of our families and future generations. Good luck to Marina Quain for City of Bunbury Council, Julie Broad, Turner, Steele Miguel.

17/10/2025

🌿 Condolences from the South West Aboriginal Women’s Collective 🌿

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we acknowledge the sudden and tragic passing of one of our matriarchs and cherished members of the South West Aboriginal Women’s Collective.

As a powerful voice for her community — a woman of strength, wisdom, and love — who dedicated her life to uplifting others. Her presence at our recent September Roundtable was a reminder of her commitment to creating space for Aboriginal women to be heard, to lead, and to guide change across our region.

During this time of Sorry Business, the South West Aboriginal Women’s Collective and its members will be extending our support to family and community.

Michelle Woosnam
Chairperson
South West Aboriginal Women's Collective.

Image Credit: Rhonda Norman

12/10/2025

Kimberley Aboriginal Women’s Council Roundtable 2025 – Yaruwu Country 🌿

It was a privilege to attend the Kimberley Aboriginal Women's CouncilRoundtable on beautiful Yaruwu Country, alongside matriarch Dr Lynette Narkle and emerging leader Shani Bennell.

With over 125 women from across the Kimberley, allies, and regions throughout WA — the energy in the room was powerful. Our MC, the powerhouse Vanessa Elliott, guided us through three inspiring days of truth-telling, connection, and visioning for our collective future.

Ambassador June Oscar AO, a proud Bunuba woman and Director of the First Nations Gender Justice Institute, opened the gathering reminding us that “this isn’t just a meeting, it’s a movement.” She shared that every time a woman steps into leadership, she does so not only for her workplace — but for her family, community, and nation.

CEO Janine Dureau set the tone for the gathering: building a platform of unity, courage, and our shared future. She powerfully stated, “This is not about data — this is about survival.” Through cultural, service, and system reform, we are walking together toward long-term, generational change.

We also heard from Bec Harnett, Lenda Oshalem, and Rachel Siewart on political campaigning — and I was deeply honoured to join Ambassador June Oscar, Selena O’Meara, Madelyn Pugin, and others on a panel exploring how we navigate challenges in global spaces and the ripple effect of women’s leadership across generations.

We were reminded of the deep connections that bind us when we met extended family through Cheryl and Ethel Drage of the Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Women’s Collective, and shared moments with Nanna Maureen Kelly and daughter Alana — living proof that our stories and strength continue across generations.

It’s powerful when allies not only deep listen — but actively deliver on what they’ve said they’ll help with. That’s where real change happens. Thank you to Jan and Dom from Volunteering WA Georgia and Jess from the Greens, Louise from WAICOSS and Bernice Yalanamgami Leadership Program, Anglicare and the team from Minderoo - we look forward to continue this work together.

💜 Grateful to the Kimberley Aboriginal Women’s Council for leading this movement of women shaping systems, standing strong in culture, and walking together for change. Looking forward to having conversations with our South West sisters to see what a WA Aboriginal Women's Alliance may look like with the Ripple Effect!

30/09/2025

Local women needed...please read below, if you are interested, reach out to Ali.

29/09/2025

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Unlock your leadership potential and create meaningful change in your career, community, and workplace with our scholarships for First Nations peoples. Scholarships Apply now At First Peoples Leading, we know that supporting First Nations peoples through culturally responsive leadership development....

23/09/2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Importance of Our Volunteers ⭐️⭐️⭐️

⭐️Sonja Cahill - Milligan.
⭐️Lou Chambers - Milligan.
⭐️Susanne Becker-Hamersly Volunteer South West
⭐️Judith Maechler - ECU Social Work Student
⭐️Jazz Bartlett - ECU Social Work Student
⭐️Tonia Gelmi - Friends of SWAWC
⭐️Kristy Harper - Friends of SWAWC

Our Roundtable volunteers are the backbone of what we do. Their presence allows space to be held for Aboriginal women to fully participate in the discussions that matter most. Because of their support, our Planning Committee members were able to step into the Roundtable as participants themselves, not just organisers.

We want to recognise the value of this contribution – holding space for us, showing up when needed, giving their time, even taking time off work. That is no small act. That is what true allyship looks like.

Allyship means more than words; it means action. Our volunteers demonstrate this every time they make sure the cups of tea are ready, the rooms are set, our Elders are cared for, and our women are free to lift their voices. They remind us that when we stand together, the work becomes lighter, and the path forward stronger.

17/09/2025

✨ History in the Making ✨

Only two weeks ago, Charmaine May joined us at our South West Aboriginal Women’s Collective Roundtable to invite SWAWC women to consider advocating for the first Aboriginal Women's Refuge in the South West. Today, we are thrilled to celebrate her nomination for the upcoming Shire of Harvey elections.

We believe this may be the very first time an Aboriginal woman has nominated in these local elections — a powerful and inspiring step forward. 💪🏽

Representation matters. When Aboriginal women are in the rooms where decisions are being made, our voices, stories, and solutions are brought to the table. This is how change begins — by showing up, stepping forward, and leading with courage for our families and communities.

We are so proud of Charmaine and the pathway she is walking. Her nomination reminds us all that leadership comes in many forms, and that the decisions shaping our communities must include the voices of Aboriginal women.

Let’s get behind her, celebrate this milestone, and continue to champion Aboriginal women stepping into leadership at every level. 🌿 Join here page here to continue the support! Charmaine May

15/09/2025

✨ Gratitude Post ✨

From the very beginning of our journey, Oxfam has walked alongside us – not only through vital funding, but with the invaluable expertise of videographer Aimee Hahn and communications guru Lucy Brown.

Your support has given us the tools to tell our stories, connect with the wider public, and build our own skills and confidence as we guide our women and work alongside them. The footage you’ve helped create truly captures the heart of what is happening here in the South West – the voices of our women, the power of our connections, and the change we are driving together.

We deeply acknowledge and honour your ongoing sisterhood. This is allyship in its finest form, and we are forever grateful.