Strong Girls, Strong Women Group

Anglicare NT’s East Arnhem Youth Services Strong Girls, Strong Women initiative for young women disengaged from regular schooling was launched on Tuesday 11th August.  The program aims to strengthen cultural connectivity, self-identity and life skills for adolescent girls lacking in regular educational structure. To launch the program the group joined women from Anglicare  NT’s Aged Care program to undertake a day of cultural activities led by the experience and knowledge of the elder Yolngu women.

The day began with a journey just outside of Nhulunbuy to where guku (bush honey) could be collected. This involved an extensive search of bushland just off the road for a tree that would reveal the buzzing of bees when pounded. Thankfully, native bees do not sting, so their escape from holes in the trunk assured success without any danger. The older ladies were incredible in their persistence in chopping apart the tree and put on an admirable show of strength for the young miyalks (ladies) to model their own efforts from. It took several hours, but it was well worth the effort upon sampling the sweetness of guku and natural bee pollen.  After a successful guku gathering venture, both groups moved onto Lombuy (Crocodile Creek) for a picnic and a spot of fishing in the creek.