Girls Leadership Camp on Yuin Country
Participants from the Liverpool Opportunity Hub, Deadly Youth Mentoring Program and Nanga Mai Marri Program came together for a powerful three-day Girls Leadership & Cultural Camp held on Yuin Country, staying at Ingenia Holiday Park Ulladulla.
This year’s theme, ‘Voices of the Future, Strength of Our Ancestors’, guided every moment of the journey. The camp was designed to empower young Aboriginal women to stand proudly in their identity, speak their truth and walk boldly into leadership. Through connection to culture, storytelling and community, the experience nurtured confidence, resilience and purpose, ensuring the strength of the past continues to live on through the leaders of tomorrow.
The camp began with lunch in Nowra, bringing together participants from across programs. At Bendalong, the girls were welcomed to Country by Uncle Bernie McLeod, who led a traditional Smoking Ceremony, reminding them of the strength carried from their ancestors.
One of the most unforgettable moments of the trip followed, hand-feeding stingrays, where the girls supported one another in stepping outside their comfort zones. The evening was spent settling into Ingenia Holiday Park Ulladulla, building friendships and embracing the spirit of sisterhood.
Reneigh Scott, LOH Program Mentor“This was my first time on camp with the girls and seeing these young women embrace their voices, connect with their culture, and step confidently into their leadership potential was truly inspiring. Their strength, curiosity, and resilience reminded me that the future is bright when we empower the next generation of leaders."
Day two took the group to the Booderee Botanic Gardens which is the only Aboriginal owned botanic garden in Australia. Here they learned about the cultural history of the land before creating artworks using Aboriginal symbols to tell their personal stories. The girls then visited Wreck Bay and a midden site, where Uncle Bernie shared powerful stories of survival, connection and ancestral strength, showing firsthand how history lives in every part of Country. That night, mentors hosted a games night, giving the girls a safe space to laugh, yarn and grow closer as emerging leaders.
The final morning was spent reflecting on the moments that shaped them. Each girl shared what she learned, what she loved and how she sees herself growing as a leader. Before heading home, the group stopped at Mollymook Beach for one last swim, a joyful celebration of the journey they shared.
The voices of our future are strong, proud and connected. The wisdom of our ancestors walks with them. Special thanks to Uncle Bernie for his cultural guidance and to Ingenia Holiday Parks for supporting this powerful experience.
Kiara Sulkowski, Year 12, Miller Technology High School“The Souths Cares 2025 women's leadership camp was an amazing experience not only for me but for all the girls. We were brought together by our culture and bonded over our similarities. The camp was special because we were given permission to be welcomed onto Aboriginal land (Wreck Bay) that usually only allows that mob and community to enter. On behalf of all us girls I can say thank you for the experience that not many people get. It;s a privilege to be able to be part of something so special spiritually.”
