On Arrernte Country, the heart of Mparntwe pulsed with wisdom and resilience as 16 local First Nations women leaders, four Aboriginal Advisory Council (AAC) members, and five respected Elders came together to share stories that shape futures. This was more than a program, it was a circle of strength, a weaving of voices across generations.

From Monday 27 – Wednesday 29 October 2025, our Yanalangami team travelled to Mparntwe (Alice Springs, NT) for our on-Country delivery. Guided by deep community engagement, the team met with local partners and Elders, building on ongoing consultation to ensure the program reflected the priorities, strengths, and visions of Arrernte women.

Delivered in partnership with Purple House, an Aboriginal community-controlled health service, this place-based program was grounded in cultural knowledge and community leadership. Together, we ensured the program honoured local voices and centred the lived experiences of women from Mparntwe and surrounding areas.

Across three days, 16 strong First Nations Changemakers took part in immersive workshops co-designed with Purple House. These sessions supported both professional and cultural growth, strengthening leadership confidence while nurturing self-healing, cultural connection, and collective empowerment. Stories flowed like desert rivers, carrying courage, cultural continuity, and the enduring power of First Nations women leading change.

Guided by Yanalangami’s Lead Facilitator, Aunty Bernice Hookey, and supported by the Yanalangami team, Katherine Stone (Program Manager), Krista Christensen (Manager Indigenous Engagement and Learning at Tranby), and Lisa Sarzin (Relationships & Partnerships at Tranby) the space held safety, truth-telling, visioning, and deep respect.

We are incredibly proud of our Changemakers and AAC members. Showing up with courage, embracing vulnerability, and stepping into leadership journeys is powerful work. Their strength created a space where healing and hope walk alongside strategy and self-determination.

This gathering was not just about leadership, it was about belonging. It affirmed that leadership is strongest when grounded in Country, uplifted by community, and guided by culture. It is about listening deeply, walking gently, and uplifting one another.

The Yanalangami Place-Based Program in Mparntwe stands as a testament to collective wisdom and the strength of First Nations women. It is a reminder that when women lead, communities thrive.

By creating culturally safe and empowering spaces, the Yanalangami Mparntwe Program supported women to walk confidently in their leadership journeys, strong in culture, connected to Community, and grounded in Country.

Together, we are shaping futures grounded in culture and led by women.

Together, we are Yanalangami.