Access and Relationships Australia Queensland are bringing together the PAWS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women’s group with the Women Of Worth (WOW) refugee women’s group to participate in a Personal Leadership Program. This program is funded by the Queensland Mental Health Commission to provide women an opportunity to share cultural knowledge and experiences, as well as learn spiritual healing and coping strategies.

Aunty Debra Bennett, who is a Senior Elder and Law Woman with over 37 years delivering the Ngatana Luidha Yarning Circle Framework, will facilitate the program. This framework will take women through a process of healing and empowerment to develop their personal leadership skills, engage in community building and become positive role models and mentors for future generations. The program encompasses a series of workshop sessions and two weekend retreats, as well as the establishment of a women’s leadership group. This group will create a foundation for women to continue discussing shared issues and working collectively to promote positive change within the community.