Celebrating 23 years of standing strong
It’s been a powerful and grounding time as Djirra celebrates 23 years of standing strong and walking beside Aboriginal women.
When we first opened our doors in 2002, we were determined to build an organisation that would stand the test of time – one that would always keep Aboriginal women and children’s safety, voice, and visibility at its heart.
Djirra today
Today, Djirra is a thriving organisation of nearly 120 staff across Victoria, guided by a dedicated Board and driven by our shared commitment to deliver culturally strong, specialist, and self-determined solutions. Over more than two decades, we have supported thousands of women and children on their journeys of healing, safety, and cultural strength.
As we celebrate this milestone, our focus remains firmly on the future – a future shaped by our long-held vision to establish an Aboriginal Women’s Centre and expand our services across regional Victoria. Every Aboriginal woman, no matter where she lives, must have access to Djirra’s life changing and lifesaving services and programs.
Churchill Fellowship
My Churchill Fellowship which took me across Canada, the USA, and Aotearoa to meet First Nations women and organisations doing similar work has brought us even closer to realising this vision. My report captures powerful stories of healing, cultural strength, determination, and women’s leadership.
Djirra’s Aboriginal Women’s Centre will be a place grounded in culture where Aboriginal women can heal, access support, and thrive. It will stand as a cultural landmark and a lasting gift to the people of Victoria.
Empowering Women Summit
Recently, I had the privilege of sharing my journey and Djirra’s story at the Empowering Women Summit. I spoke about the experiences that shaped me as Djirra’s founding CEO and the lessons that continue to guide me.
“Growth has never been comfortable. It has been hard won, interrupted often by adversity, eroded by racism that appears out of nowhere. And when persistence becomes too hard, quitting is never an option.
For me, power has never been about hierarchy or control. It is about courage – the courage to speak out, to act, and to hold the line, even when silence is sometimes easier. And purpose – my purpose has always been clear: to walk with Aboriginal women, to stand side by side, and to create change.”
Looking to the future
As we build for the future, we also stand firmly in the present – in a moment of national reflection and renewal. Following the devastating result of the 2023 Voice referendum, we reaffirm that our voices will not be silenced. Djirra remains in the YES, because the best outcomes for our people come when we lead and determine our own solutions.
Here in Victoria, momentum is growing. With the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s recommendations now on the table and Treaty passing the Upper House of Parliament, we are standing on the edge of meaningful change. As Aboriginal women we have long advocated for our rights, we call on governments to act to implement Yoorrook’s recommendations and invest in specialist, self-determined solutions. We do not need more reports. We need action.
16 Days of ACTIVEism®
That same strength and determination carries us into our upcoming 16 Days of ACTIVEism®campaign. Now in its third year, we’ll continue to AGITATE, CREATE, and INNOVATE for our tried, tested, and proven self-determined solutions.
Save the dates – upcoming events
I invite all our supporters to walk beside us:
📅 25 November – Djirra’s Annual ACTIVEism® Walk on Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra – partnering with Sisters in Spirit to agitate for change
🕒 Time: 6:30am for a 7am AEST start
📅 28 November – Respect Victoria’s Walk Against Family Violence, Birrarung Marr, Melbourne – where I’ll speak and our team will walk to honour Aboriginal women’s lives
🕒 Time: 10am AEST
📅4 December – Djirra’s Annual ACTIVEism® Festival, Narrandjeri Stadium, Thornbury – celebrating Aboriginal women’s strength and resilience through culture and connection
🕒 Time: 11am – 3pm AEST
If you can’t join us in person, please stand with us by supporting our life changing and life saving work. Be part of Djirra’s story and join us in creating a future where Aboriginal women and children are safe, strong, and connected in culture.
In solidarity,
Antoinette Braybrook AM