When Aboriginal women come together on Country, something powerful happens. Knowledge is shared. Stories are carried. Healing begins. New leaders emerge.
This August, more than 200 Aboriginal women from across the Northern Territory will gather once again at Bawurrbarnda (Emu Springs) in Central Arnhem Land for the 2026 Strong Women for Healthy Country Forum, returning to the very place where the movement first began.
Held from 18 to 20 August, the gathering is much more than an annual forum. It is a homecoming. A chance for women who care for Country, carry culture and hold communities together to reconnect, heal and walk forward together.
The timing could not be more fitting. This week marks World Female Ranger Week, a global celebration that amplifies the voices of female rangers and recognises their work protecting wildlife, empowering women and uplifting communities. Across the Northern Territory, Aboriginal women have been doing this work for generations, caring for Country and caring for one another.
This year's forum places a strong focus on social and emotional wellbeing, healing, and strengthening the next generation of women leaders.
For many of the women attending, this gathering is not simply about programs or policy. It is about belonging. It is about sitting together on Country, sharing stories, holding space for one another and drawing strength from the collective wisdom of Aboriginal women.
Returning to Bawurrbarnda carries deep significance.
It was here in 2019 that Rembarrnga, Dalabon and Mayili Elders invited women caring for Country from across the Territory to come together and create a shared vision that continues to guide the network today.
"We are strong Indigenous women of the Northern Territory. We stand united as one strong voice. We commit to a network that gives equal power to the rights of all our women. Strong Women means Healthy Country."
Seven years on, those words still resonate.
What began as a gathering of women with a shared commitment to Country has grown into one of Australia's most powerful Indigenous women-led movements, connecting women rangers, Traditional Owners and community leaders from every corner of the Northern Territory.
The journey has been one of determination, relationship building and collective action.
Since its inception, the network has gathered on Country from Bawurrbarnda to Banatjarl, Eastern Arrernte Country and Limilngan-Wulna Country, bringing together hundreds of women and building a movement grounded in culture, leadership and self-determination.
One of the network's most significant milestones came in November 2024 when, with the support of its 135 members, the Strong Women for Healthy Country Network was officially registered as an Aboriginal Corporation with the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations.
Since then, the network has continued to grow, establishing its first Annual General Meeting, strengthening its Message Sticks network and expanding partnerships that support Indigenous women's leadership and research.
This year's forum will celebrate those achievements while also creating space for some of the most important conversations happening in communities.
Workshops delivered in partnership with organisations including Katherine West Health Board and Deadly Thinking will focus on mental health, healing, and resilience.
On-Country activities, women's business, bush medicine, storytelling and cultural knowledge sharing will create opportunities for women to learn from one another and strengthen the relationships that have become the heart of the network.
The gathering also comes after the cancellation of the 2025 forum, making this year's return to Country even more meaningful.
At a time when communities continue to navigate grief, trauma and growing pressures, bringing women back together feels both necessary and powerful.
Member for Arnhem and long-time supporter of the forum, Selena Uibo, said watching the network grow over the years had been incredibly special.
"As the local Member, it has been incredibly special to witness the growth of this forum over the years. I was proud to be part of the very first gathering at Bawurrbarnda, and seeing it grow into such a powerful space for First Nations women has been inspiring," she said.
"Each year, more strong women come together to share knowledge, strengthen culture, support one another, and build the next generation of leaders. It is a testament to the vision, dedication and leadership of everyone involved. I can't wait to see what this year's forum achieves and the connections that will continue to strengthen communities across the Territory."
At its heart, the Strong Women for Healthy Country Forum has always been about more than caring for Country.
It is about the strength of Aboriginal women.
It is about creating safe spaces to heal, to lead and to ensure that our daughters and granddaughters inherit strong culture and strong communities.
As women once again walk onto Country at Bawurrbarnda this August, they will honour the women who came before them and stand alongside those who will carry this work into the future.
Because when Aboriginal women are strong, our families are stronger, our communities are stronger and our Country is stronger.
Strong Women means Healthy Country.
To stay up to date, head to: https://www.swhcnetwork.org.au/
