Saltwater Sistas

Empowering Indigenous Women & Youth in Ocean Conservation , Wellbeing and Culture

My name is Rhiannon and I am the founder of Saltwater Sistas.

I am a First Nation woman from the Mununjali people of Beaudesert and grew up on Gumbaynggirr Country. I'm living and running my business from the Coffs Coast, NSW and most days you will find me at the beach, working in community or spending time with my Elders.

I have been lucky to have some great opportunities like swimming with whales and sharks and spending time with Native American Elders on their traditional lands in Black Hills South Dakota, as well as running camps, workshops and mentoring our young Indigenous women

My work history has been working in Aboriginal health, employment services and youth services.

I have studied a Diploma in Leadership and Management, a Graduate Diploma in Aboriginal Health, Certificates in Business and Community Services and I am currently studying a Bachelor of Marine Science and Management at Southern Cross University, NSW.

Why I Do It I started Saltwater Sistas because I did not have much confidence as a young Aboriginal woman. Fortunately, I was able to access some great opportunities in my life and I would like other Aboriginal women and youth to have these opportunities too. I invite Aboriginal women and youth into a space that will empower them to feel confident in life, strong in culture and be inspired by the ocean.

I run various workshops for groups and one-on one mentoring sessions.

Mentoring

I plan and create a pathway for women and youth to learn tools on how they can achieve their goals & aspirations.

These sessions are one- on one, are tailored to specific scenarios that include yarning, walks on country, introduction to cultural programs and health and wellbeing programs. It's about teaching participants to cultivate good wellbeing and self-esteem.

Workshops

I run workshops for Indigenous women and youth and deliver them across the Coffs Coast NSW on Gumbaynggirr Country. I'm also happy to travel within Australia.These workshops will be tailored to meet the needs of the women and youth attending. I run the workshops in schools, community centres and at local beaches.

Wellbeing

In this workshop we talk about selfcare. We share ideas on how to cultivate good wellbeing. We discuss what makes us happy and feeling well. It’s about knowing what self-care is, feeling good and learning about resources that can help us get there. 60-minute workshop

Culture

In this workshop we will be sitting with elders and listening to their stories, where we learn about culture that will inevitably help us to be more resilient with courage and to be strong in life. Participants learn about local knowledge, stories and dreamtime. When you learn about country and culture, you know who you are and your life can thrive. 60-minute workshop

Natural Skincare

In this workshop participants learn how to make home-made organic beauty and skincare products. Making your own products, you’re going back to the basics for self-care. You know what's going on your skin, its good for you and it's environmentally friendly. You have the opportunity to take home natural products that include scrubs, bath blends, lip balms and perfume. 60-minute workshop

Ocean Conservation

This workshop will include either myself who is studying a degree in marine science or other marine scientist and Elders.Participants will learn about the eco system, cultural stories relating to the ocean and fun ocean facts. 60-minute workshop

As well as the Ocean Conservation workshop, we have a group who meets regularly for beach activities, education and beach clean-ups. Hit the button below for more information or contact me if you'd like to join.

Get in touch with Rhiannon here: https://www.saltwatersistas.com.au/contact or email : saltwatersistas@gmail.com