The Weipa IWIMRA On-Country Conference: A Journey of Empowerment

In the heart of Far North Queensland, nestled within the rugged beauty of Weipa, a special gathering was taking place. The Indigenous Women in Management and Representation (IWIMRA) had traveled to this remote corner of the world to create a space for connection, growth, and empowerment for the often-forgotten voices of Indigenous women in the industry.

The community of Weipa is a place where the land meets the sea, and where stories, passed down through generations, are as rich as the earth beneath. Here, IWIMRA’s On-Country Conference aimed to bring together Indigenous women from across the region, many of whom were so isolated from the industry and its networks that their voices had often been silenced. The conference promised a safe, culturally enriching environment where the women could share their experiences, learn from one another, and build the foundation for a brighter future.

As the women began to gather under the vast sky, there was a profound sense of anticipation. The conference began with a powerful Acknowledgment of Country. The elders, whose presence filled the space with respect, began the ceremony by blessing the gathering, offering their wisdom and guidance. This simple yet profound act set the tone for the day, reminding everyone that they were standing on sacred ground—connected to the ancestors, the earth, and each other.

Throughout the day, a sense of trust began to build. The women shared their stories with openness and honesty, knowing they were in a culturally safe environment. The importance of this space, where their voices were not only heard but valued, could not be overstated. Many participants spoke of feeling forgotten, as if their contributions to industry and leadership were overlooked simply because they were remote, or because they were women. The IWIMRA conference was a chance to change that.

As the day progressed, several emerging themes began to take shape, reflecting the realities and struggles faced by many of the participants. The first was the need for more representation in decision-making circles—symbolized by the term Purple Circles. The women agreed that there were not enough Indigenous women at the table when it came to making decisions that affected their communities. These circles represented both a metaphor and a call to action, a push for more seats at the table and more influence in the spaces that mattered.

Another powerful theme that arose was the pervasive racism and microaggressions that these women experienced in their workplaces and industries. They spoke openly about the subtle and overt ways they were dismissed, undermined, or overlooked because of their heritage. This led to a discussion on the lack of leadership support for Indigenous women in leadership roles—an issue that stood in the way of career progression and personal growth.

For many of the women present, career roadblocks were an everyday reality. Despite their qualifications and skills, they found themselves consistently passed over for promotions, opportunities, and recognition. This was tied directly to the lack of support from leadership, both at the organizational and community levels, which often left them struggling to find a way forward.

Another theme that resonated with many was the deep impact that these challenges had on their mental health and resilience. The constant pressure, coupled with the isolation and underrepresentation, took its toll. But it was also here that the resilience of these women shone through. They spoke of strength and survival, of ways they had learned to cope, and of the importance of supporting one another in this journey.

As the conference drew to a close, the group engaged in a beautiful, collaborative activity: painting an Aboriginal artwork canvas. This was not only an artistic expression but a symbolic act of unity and strength. The artwork told the story of their journey, the struggles they faced, and the resilience they had shown in overcoming them. The painted canvas would become a lasting reminder of the day—a powerful symbol of what they had created together.

The IWIMRA On-Country Conference in Weipa was a resounding success. It had achieved its goal: to create a culturally safe space where Indigenous women could come together, build trust, and start the journey toward greater representation, recognition, and support in their industries. The themes of the day resonated deeply with all those who attended, and the lessons learned would continue to shape their actions long after the conference had ended.

For the women of Weipa and beyond, this gathering was not just an event—it was the beginning of a movement, a shared understanding that their voices, experiences, and contributions mattered. Together, they had begun to rewrite the narrative, one where Indigenous women would no longer be forgotten, but celebrated for their strength, resilience, and leadership.