Last month, a group of inspiring women leaders from across the Northern Rivers came together in the Byron Hinterland for the first Empowering Women & Girls Leaders Retreat.
Funded by the NRCF Women’s Giving Circle, the two-day retreat created a dedicated space for connection, reflection and learning for women leading grassroots organisations and initiatives across the Northern Rivers that had received a grant through the Empowering Women and Girls Grant Program.
Representatives from 11 organisations attended the retreat, including Women’s Health Northern Rivers, Support for New Mums, Kyogle Family Support Services, Northern Rivers Community Gateway, Women Up North, Iluka Community Organisation Planning for Emergencies (ICOPE), The Returning, Haus of Armour, Human Nature Adventure Therapy, Coolamon Community and The Big Scrub Orchestra.
While grant funding often focuses on delivering projects and services, the retreat recognised the importance of investing in the people behind the work. Community leaders are frequently balancing significant responsibilities while supporting others, often with limited opportunities to focus on their own wellbeing and professional development.
“The women who attended the retreat are doing important work in communities across the Northern Rivers, often while carrying significant responsibilities,” said NRCF Impact Manager Kiri Dicker.
“Creating space for them to pause, connect and refill their cups was incredibly rewarding. Throughout the retreat we saw participants build meaningful relationships, share experiences and learn from one another. When we invest in the wellbeing and leadership of these women, the benefits flow back into the organisations and communities they support.”
Over two days, participants took part in First Nations-led cultural experiences, facilitated workshops, peer learning opportunities and group discussions. The program encouraged participants to explore new ideas, strengthen their leadership skills and build relationships with other women working to create positive change across the region.
The retreat also provided valuable time for reflection and connection. Participants shared experiences, exchanged ideas and developed relationships that will continue to support collaboration long after the retreat concluded. During the retreat, participants were joined for an evening by members of the Women’s Giving Circle, who came together to share a meal, connect and learn more about the work being led by women across the region. The gathering helped strengthen relationships and build a deeper sense of community between Women’s Giving Circle members and the women leading change across the Northern Rivers.
The Empowering Women & Girls Leaders Retreat forms part of the broader Empowering Women & Girls Grant Program, which supports grassroots initiatives that create opportunities for women and girls across the Northern Rivers. By investing in both projects and the people leading them, the program helps strengthen the long-term capacity and resilience of local organisations and communities.
Applications for the 2026 Empowering Women & Girls Grant Program open on 15 June.
Women-led NFP organisations delivering projects that empower women and girls across the Northern Rivers are encouraged to apply. Learn more about the program and application process here.
NRCF extends its sincere thanks to all participants for their openness, generosity and willingness to share their experiences, and to the members of the Women’s Giving Circle whose collective generosity continues to create opportunities for women and girls across the Northern Rivers.
Learn more about the Women’s Giving Circle.
Photo credit: Davina Bambrick Photography
