Girls On Country
Transformational Arts Practice For Young First Nations Women in Australia
Girls on Country works with young First Nations women aged 14 to 25, engaging in social and community spaces, residential spaces and various learning environments. The program involves groups of 10 to 20 young women over an extended period, culminating in the creation of a unique piece of artwork entirely devised and produced by these participants.
Through various artistic modalities, we explore different themes and ideas, using art as a means of communication, expression, and processing thoughts related to identity and belonging. Much of our sessions take place on country, where I facilitate the creative process. As a guest on their land, I strive to create a reciprocal and energetic space that fosters safety and acceptance, allowing for self-expression without judgment.
SERVICES
FACILITATION
Tier 1: Core Program (3 Weeks)
A transformative arts program designed for female youth (13-25), fostering confidence, creativity, and self-expression.
✅ Immersive Experience – Participants engage in activities to promote personal growth, resilience, and connection.
✅ Expert Facilitation – Led by an experienced facilitator with over a decade of experience working with Aboriginal youth.
✅ Flexible Delivery – Delivered on-site and on country over three weeks to ensure deep engagement and long-term impact. The program is participant led in terms of ideas and creative vision.
Tier 2: Core Program + "Pass It On" (4 Weeks)
Everything in Tier 1, plus an additional fourth week where participants gain the skills to facilitate the program for future groups.
✅ Facilitator Training – Participants receive hands-on training to lead the program effectively.
✅ Internal Certification – Participants will receive an internal Girls on Country certification, recognising their ability to deliver the program.
✅ Leadership Development – Builds confidence and practical leadership skills.
✅ Empowering the Community – Equips young community members with the tools to deliver the program themselves.
✅ Long-Term Mentorship – Ongoing support via video calls to help young people confidently implement the program, navigate challenges, and refine their facilitation skills over time.
✔️ Skill & Confidence Development:
• Facilitation Skills – Learn to guide other youth through creative processes with clarity and impact.
• Trauma-Informed Practices – Develop the ability to create safe, supportive, and empowering spaces for other young participants.
• Program Delivery & Adaptation – Gain confidence in delivering structured sessions while tailoring activities to the needs of participants.
• Leadership & Mentorship – Build leadership capacity within the community, ensuring sustainability and long-term impact.
✔️ Sustainable Impact: By equipping young community members with these skills, they can independently run and grow the program, ensuring long-term benefits for young people and the community.
STAFF TRAINING
Staff Training for Program Delivery (1 Week + 2 Days Training)
A dedicated training program for existing staff within the organisation, ensuring they can effectively deliver the program in-house with knowledge and confidence.
✔️ Week 1 – Experiential Learning: Staff experience the program firsthand, just as participants would—condensed from the full three-week delivery into one immersive week. This experience is crucial in understanding the significance of creating art collectively and connection to Country. Staff will gain deep insight into the emotional, social, and psychological benefits of art-based self-expression.
✔️ 2 Days – Facilitator Training: Staff undergo structured training to lead sessions effectively, learning key facilitation techniques, trauma-informed approaches, and strategies for fostering a safe and empowering environment for young participants.
Internal Certification Included: Staff will receive an internal Girls on Country certification, recognising their ability to deliver the program within the organisation.
✔️ 3 x 1-Hour Mentorship Sessions: Follow-up video calls provide guidance, troubleshooting, and encouragement, ensuring smooth facilitation and continuous professional development.
✔️ Long-Term Mentorship: Ongoing support via video calls to help staff confidently implement the program, navigate challenges, and refine their facilitation skills over time.
✔️ What's Included:
📖 Workbook – Comprehensive guide and resources to support staff in delivering the program effectively.
🏅 Certificate of Completion – Recognising successful participation in the training program.
💬 3 x Support Sessions – Post-training video call support to assist staff in delivering the program with confidence.
CONSULTANCY
How to Create Frameworks Using Art for Self-Expression to Support Young People in Your Organisation
This consultation is available exclusively to organisations that have previously engaged in Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3 services. Designed to help staff and young facilitators integrate arts-based frameworks into their existing youth programs, this session provides practical guidance on using creative expression as a tool for empowerment and healing.
✅ Custom Framework Design – Tailored strategies to fit your organisation’s needs.
✅ Implementation Guidance – Step-by-step support for embedding arts-based practices.
✅ Practical Tools & Techniques – Creative approaches to foster engagement and expression.
