An event that celebrates the strength and survival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women will be launched in Wodonga on Wednesday.
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Gindamarra, which means "strong woman" in Wiradjuri language, also aims to provide a safe space for survivors and those at risk of family violence, elders and young women to gather together for support and inspiration.
Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation family violence and homelessness support worker Bec Symonds said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women were 35 times more likely to be hospitalised for family violence.
That risk increases during the Christmas-New Year period often due to alcohol, stress and a higher frequency of family gatherings.
"There is not just a risk of family violence with intimate partners; because of the strong kinship ties there is also an increased risk of violence in extended family and community," Ms Symonds said.
"We want to help break the cycle of family violence and inter-generational trauma ... we want our young women to be the Gindamarra."
The December 11 event, hosted by the corporation at its Hovell Street base from 11am to 3pm, will include pampering sessions for women, a yarning circle, weaving workshop and refreshments.
There will be hairdressers on hand for styling sessions and lucky door prizes on offer.
We want to help break the cycle of family violence and inter-generational trauma ... we want our young women to be the Gindamarra.
- Family violence support worker Bec Symonds
Ms Symonds, together with cultural safety advisor for family violence worker Kim Saunders, said the aim was to promote and discuss healthy relationships as well as celebrate the strength and resilience of Aboriginal women.
"We want women to connect back to their cultural roots - Aboriginal women come from a strong line of matriarchs; they are survivors," she said.
"We want women to be able to come together and share their stories as well as to listen, laugh and be inspired by one another.
Artwork by Tamara Murray for Gindamarra represents a highly visual symbol of the aims of the day, which Ms Symonds said would be an annual event.
"The artwork represents inner transformation," she said.
- For more information contact Bec Symonds on 02) 6024 7599.