WITNESSING STRENGTH: REFLECTIONS ON THE 2024 STRONG WOMEN FOR HEALTHY COUNTRY FORUM

To mark their incredible experience at the 2024 Strong Women for Healthy Country Forum, Rosie Goslett-King, proud Yuin woman and WWF-Australia’s First Nations Program Manager; Bianca McNeair, proud Malgana woman and Program Lead for the Indigenous Women’s Ranger Network at WWF-Australia; and Leigh-Ann Woolley, Northern Australia Biocultural Conservation Manager share their reflections on this very special gathering in the Northern Territory.

Words by Rosie Goslett-King, Bianca McNeair and Leigh-Ann Woolley

From 3-5 September, we had the privilege of attending the 2024 Strong Women for Healthy Country Forum at Crab Claw Island Resort on Larrakia Country in the Northern Territory. As three women working for WWF-Australia in different roles — Rosie, a Yuin woman from New South Wales and First Nations Program Manager; Bianca, a Malgana woman from Western Australia and Program Lead for the Indigenous Women’s Ranger Network; and Leigh-Ann, a Biocultural Conservation Manager based in Darwin — we each brought our own perspectives to this gathering. What united us was a shared commitment to supporting and amplifying the work of Indigenous women who care for Country.

What we witnessed and experienced over those three days was extraordinary. The forum was a powerful demonstration of the strength, resilience, and unity of Indigenous women across the Northern Territory, all working together to build a healthier future for community and Country.

Deepening our connections

Rosie Goslett-King, WWF-Australia First Nations Program Manager:  

As a Yuin woman from New South Wales, coming to this forum was a powerful experience of connecting with sisters from different parts of the country and reuniting with friends I have worked closely with over the past four years. In my role, I work to support WWF’s First Nations programs across Australia, and this forum is always a unique opportunity to listen and learn directly from the women leading this work in the Northern Territory.

What touched me most was hearing the personal stories of women like Shantelle Miller from Arnhemland, who shared, “It’s emotional for me. I experience pride being around all these women. I’m still trying to right the wrongs done to my family over generations. It broke me. I take courage from the strong women around me.” Her words, and those of others there, reminded me of the profound strength we have as Indigenous women to heal, rebuild and lead our communities.

I was also moved by the many stories of resilience and courage shared as I worked with the Strong Women for Healthy Country Network on their current priorities, which include connecting with other area-based networks to “form one strong national voice for Indigenous women.” This research piece is in its second year and in partnership with WWF-Australia, Mimal Land Management, Message Sticks Group and the University of Queensland as we seek national co-design for a truly collaborative and impactful approach. Andrea Andrews from Jawoyn Association encouraged us all to “show the world what you’re made of and stand up with strong voices.” Her words were a reminder of the importance of standing together across different communities and contexts, with the greatest strength reflected in rising up together with one voice.

Lifting each other up through shared experiences

Bianca McNeair, WWF-Australia Indigenous Women’s Ranger Network Program Lead:

As a Malgana woman from Western Australia, I understand the challenges and triumphs faced by Indigenous women caring for Country. Attending this forum reinforced the importance of networks like ours and the power of coming together to share our experiences and Knowledge.

The workshops and cultural activities, like bush medicine making, weaving and art, were meaningful for me. In these spaces, knowledge flowed freely, and there was a deep sense of community. As Sheila White from Mimal Land Management said, “It’s not only our work, it’s a cultural practice,” and those words stayed with me throughout the forum. This wasn’t just about managing land and sea; it was about honouring culture, sustaining traditions and supporting each other.

Grandmothers, Mothers, Aunties, Sisters and Daughters coming together emanated a gentle yet powerful strength. The importance of all the roles women play in our community was celebrated and acknowledged as key to caring for Country and community. 

Vanessa Murray from Mimal also spoke powerfully about the importance of building up the next generation, saying, “Healthy Country is all about us. We are trying to build our women and younger ones. We are here, and we’re going to stand our ground together.” These statements were not just about leadership; they were declarations of commitment to each other and to the future.

A powerful vision for the future

Leigh-Ann Woolley, WWF-Australia Biocultural Conservation Manager:

Living and working on Larrakia Country in Darwin, I have had the honour of witnessing the incredible dedication of Indigenous women in the Northern Territory to care for their Country and communities. In every session of the forum, I was struck by the openness and willingness of these remarkable women to share knowledge and experiences. As a non-Indigenous participant, I felt welcomed, enlightened and moved.

What struck me most during the forum was the passion and determination of these women to build a network that truly represents them. The strong women of the network were remarkably active over this past year, securing critical funding and support from the federal government and preparing the network for incorporation. Incorporation was discussed and finalised at the forum. What an achievement! This wasn’t just about creating an organisation; it was about ensuring every woman’s voice is heard, respected, and valued as the network grows. As Larrakia woman Cyan Lee said, “Connecting and building our community of women is a powerful thing!”

Moving forward together

All three of us:  

As the forum concluded with the election of new Message Sticks and directors for the newly incorporated Strong Women for Healthy Country Network, there was a tangible sense of purpose. It was clear that the work of this network was only just beginning and that these women were ready to continue advocating for their vision statement “We are Strong Indigenous women of the Northern Territory. We stand united as one strong voice that gives equal rights to the power of all our women. Strong women means healthy Country.”

For all of us, this forum was a powerful reminder of the strength of Indigenous women and the importance of supporting Indigenous-led initiatives. As WWF staff, we are proud to play our part — whether through funding partnerships, program support collaborations, or capacity building. But more than anything, we left the forum with a deep sense of gratitude and inspiration, knowing that ‘strong women means healthy Country’.

We return to our communities and workplaces with renewed energy, committed to amplifying and lifting up the voices and visions of Indigenous women who are caring for Country. 

The 2024 Strong Women for Healthy Country Forum was more than just a gathering; it was a movement — a movement led by women who know that by standing together, they can achieve anything. We look forward to continuing to support this with these incredible women, knowing that our strength lies in our unity and our commitment to Country and each other.

Sincere thanks to Mimal Land Management.