We’re stepping into a new chapter at Yanalangami, one that asks us to slow down, listen with intention, and empower our sisters to lead the way forward.

With the generous support of the Judith Neilson Foundation, we’re beginning our next phase of growth, collective reflection and renewal: Deep Listening, Deep Thinking, Deep Learning. Over the next year, the Foundation will walk alongside Tranby as we begin a national, First Nations women-led listening process to shape the future of Yanalangami and strengthen community-led leadership for years to come. 

Importantly, this project is not about Program facilitation but rather, holding space for truth telling, grounded in respect and reciprocity. Managed by Jacinta Bailey (Tranby’s Innovation and Strategic Impact Lead) and Krista Christensen (Tranby’s Director of Indigenous Engagement), this work will bring together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander female Changemakers involving alumnae, Elders, Aboriginal Advisory Council members, community members and knowledge holders, in a co-design journey grounded in cultural practice, accountability and humility. Through deep listening, deep thinking and deep learning, the women who’ve walked with Yanalangami will guide what comes next.

Why now?

For the past six years, Yanalangami has kept growing, reaching more deadly women than we ever imagined to build a strong and connected sistahood that reflects our Ancestors wildest dreams. Since we planted the first seed of our sisterhood back in 2020, so much has changed.

In 2021, we launched our very first Yanalangami National Leadership Program online because of COVID-19 restrictions. It wasn’t how we imagined it, but we knew it mattered. In a time of widespread disconnection, we wanted to keep pathways open for connection, collaboration and cultural leadership.

That first year, we saw so much love, vulnerability and commitment from our Changemakers. It made one thing clear: the seed we’d planted needed room to grow.

Now, in 2026, heading into our fifth year of national online delivery, our sisterhood has grown wide. Yanalangami is no longer only an online program connecting strong women. We now also offer place-based, in-person community programs designed with local communities; a Train-the-Trainer program to grow women’s facilitation skills; and bespoke sessions for First Nations women’s organisations wanting to strengthen leadership from within.

We’re proud of how far we’ve come. But we also know that if Yanalangami is going to stay strong and sustainable, our growth has to evolve. It’s time to pause, listen deeply and think carefully about what our sisters want and what they need to lead.

Collectively visioning the future

After six years of backing the inherent leadership of First Nations women, we’re ready for a different kind of growth. This is a time to reflect on what we’ve built together and to centre the voices, lived experiences and leadership of the women who have shaped Yanalangami from the first seed.

Together, we’ll yarn, gather insights and make decisions that keep Yanalangami strong, accountable, culturally grounded, community-led and sustainable.

This next phase is about growing deeper, not just wider. It is about investing in our roots, making space for reflection and knowledge sharing, and collectively visioning the future.

The Process

Over the coming year, we will move with care, guided by curiosity.  We want to hear your voice, your ideas, your feedback, your hopes and your questions, because your stories and truth are what should shape Yanalangami’s future.

This deep listening process will be guided by how our sisterhood wants to engage. There will be many opportunities for our Changemakers to be heard, including:

• An open call for Changemakers to share their voice digitally
• Invitations to 1:1 yarns and group yarns (online)
• Invitations to 1:1 yarns and group yarns (in person, on Country)

Throughout this process, we want our Changemakers to lead the story sharing and the decision-making. You are Yanalangami, we’re here to hold the space.

If you’d like to be involved, keep an eye on your inbox as we’ll be reaching out this week with invitations and next steps.

We don’t know where this deep listening process will lead us and, in many ways, that is the point because we are entering the listening and learning zone. 

We’re grateful to have you in this sisterhood, and we can’t wait to walk this next part with you. Together, we are Yanalangami. Together, we are growing strong women and stronger communities. 

With gratitude and openness

— The Yanalangami Team