Sistas in Business Gathering Empowers First Nations Women on Nywaigi Country

Introduction

From 8–10 April 2025, BLAQ DIAMONDS Women Empowerment hosted its inaugural Sista’s in Business Gathering on sacred Nywaigi Country at Mungalla Station, North Queensland. This three-day cultural and empowerment experience brought together First Nations women from across the state to reconnect, refocus, and rise in their personal and professional journeys.  This event proudly sponsored by Good Return, is part of a First Nations Women Empowerment movement first beginning with Kimberley Jigyas led by Natasha Short from the Kimberley Region of Western Australia.  This movement is part of a bigger vision and initiative to support First Nations Female Entrepreneurship across Northern Australia and BDWE have been invited to be a p

art of establishing a network for First Nations Female Business Owners and aspiring entrepreneurs living in North Queensland, Far North Queensland Region including Cape York, NPA Region and the Torres Strait Island Region.

Event Highlights

Led by BDWE’s Founder Melisa Drummond-Anderson, the gathering featured powerful keynote stories, cultural healing activities, and practical business mentoring. With support from our major partner,  Good Return,  the event provided a culturally safe and empowering space for First Nations women to come together, learn, and grow.

Activities included:
– Yarning Circles and Business Storytelling
– Cultural Practices and Connection to Country
– Business Planning Workshops
– Self-Care and Empowerment Sessions

The event also celebrated sisterhood, leadership, and the spirit of Indigenous female entrepreneurship.

BDWE would like to pass on their sincere gratitude to the following partners:

  • Cindy Reese-Mitchell, Program Director, Future Weavers
    Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurship in Northern Australia
  • Natasha Short, Kimberley Birds Managing Director
  • Mitch Torres, Maganda Makers Business Club

Quote from Melisa

“When our women come back to Country and share stories with each other, something powerful happens. Healing happens. Ideas are born. Confidence grows. That’s what this gathering was about — and we’re just getting started.”

Why It Matters

First Nations women continue to face barriers to business, wellness, and opportunity. Events like the Sistas in Business Gathering provide not just knowledge, but belonging and belief. These spaces honour culture while fostering new skills and connections that build strong, empowered futures.  Some of the business owners that attended this year’s Inaugural Event on Nywaigi Country were:

  1. BLAQ DIAMONDS Women Empowerment
  2. Kimberley Birds (Natasha Short, Founder)
  3. Maganda Makers Business Club (Mitch Torres, Co-Founder)
  4. Torres Strait Link (Solanima Mareko, Founder)
  5. Balgarra Designs (Joanne Cassady, Founder)
  6. Mahalia Mabo Collections (Mahalia Mabo, Founder)
  7. AlcaziYonaz Creations (Laura Mooka, Founder)

What’s Next?

– Planning is underway for the 2026 Gathering with new workshops and cultural sessions. The 2nd BDWE Sistas in Business Event (Sistas Kaimel) will be held from 2nd – 4th June, 2026 on Waibene, Thursday Island, Far North Queensland Region.
– BDWE’s ‘Next Step’ Program is now open for registrations.
– Interested in sponsoring a woman or partnering with BDWE? Reach out to begin a meaningful collaboration.

Useful Links

– Good Return – Supporting Financial Inclusion (https://goodreturn.org.au)

–  Kimberley Jigyas/Birds:  https://kimberleybirds.com.au/

–  Maganda Makers Business Club:  https://magandamakers.business/

 

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