SafeSISTAS empowers young women in Geraldton through music, culture and art

Desert Blue Connect and Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service partnered with Geraldton PCYC to deliver workshops as part of the safeSISTAS program for girls aged 11 to 17. The workshops focus on personal and cultural safety, self-determination and strength-based approaches to building confidence and resilience.

The girls attend two sessions every week as part of the program. The first session focuses on physical, mental and online safety and involves a range of activities such as practising yoga, learning a mix of self-defence and martial arts and undertaking education sessions on social media security.

The second session is part of Desert Rose Everlasting First Nations Women’s Resilience Program where the girls engage in painting and traditional basket weaving. They cover different topics each week such as cultivating healthy relationships, spiritual and cultural well-being, bringing the Aboriginal and Western world together and practising self-love.

The girls in safeSISTAS have also participated in the RAP music program, writing their own lyrics, laying down beats and recording rap songs in the studio. Initially, the girls were shy and uncertain in the studio but as the session progressed, their confidence grew and they started having fun performing their songs.

Talya Quinn, Geraldton PCYC Centre Manager, said, “Music and song writing can be a very therapeutic tool for our young people. Song writing provides an outlet for our girls to release built up emotions while creating lyrics about their lived experiences.”

“Being able to express themselves in a comfortable environment and receiving encouragement from their peers helps develop their self-esteem, interpersonal skills and confidence. We are so proud of our girls and their personal growth every day.”

The workshops will run until the end of Term 1. Watch out for more amazing outcomes in our safeSISTAS program.