Today we got the news that our final outstanding grant application was SUCCESSFUL! In our first 6 months since launching SpeakWrite, we’ve secured $964,798.04 in grant funding for small Aboriginal businesses in Alice Springs and Tennant Creek — every single application we have written has been granted. 🖤💛❤️ This funding has helped create 4 new local Aboriginal jobs, purchase vehicles to deliver essential goods to remote communities, fund NAIDOC celebrations, and support start-ups to purchase essential business assets. These are real outcomes. Real impact. Right here on Country. We are a small Blak-owned business — two women, eight sons between us, wives, mums, community members and consultants. Sometimes it feels like we are spinning a thousand plates. But today, we are pausing. We are reflecting. And we are celebrating. ✨ Because when Blak business supports Blak business, we all rise. We also want to say a massive thank you to our Project Lead, Lachie Hogg, who has played a massive role in supporting us to get the work across the line. Your dedication, calm under pressure and commitment to our vision has made all the difference. 🙌🏽 This milestone is not just ours — it belongs to our clients, our families, and our community. Thank you to the deadly Blak businesses that trust us and choose us to walk alongside you. We are proud to be part of this wave of Aboriginal-led change — economic, social, and cultural. Strong Blak women. Strong Blak business. Strong Blak futures. #BlakBusiness #BlakExcellence #AboriginalBusiness #GrantWriting #SpeakWriteConsulting #EconomicEmpowerment #centralaustralia #BlakWomenInBusiness #CommunityImpact

⚠️⚠️Change of dates pending for both workshops‼️ Due to circumstances out of our control we have made a decision to postpone our workshops. Thank you to Turnstone Collective and Women for Election for your ongoing collaboration and support on this important initiative. **Please keep an eye open for new dates** **Notice has been sent to registrants via email**

Last week, SpeakWrite partnered with @ywcaaustralia's NT team to begin the development of their cultural safety framework. Situated in Garramilla (Darwin), on stunning Larrakia Country, SpeakWrite spent a couple of days engaging with teams across YWCA. Cherisse and Jess had the opportunity to learn about the vital advocacy and support work being carried out for families affected by domestic, family, and sexual violence (DSFV) and homelessness. The initiative to create a cultural safety framework was spearheaded by YWCA, laying a strong foundation to strengthen relationships with First Nations communities in Darwin and surrounding areas. This effort is particularly significant as a growing number of Aboriginal clients, including those from remote communities, are accessing their services. SpeakWrite is inspired by the energy and compassion of YWCA staff and looks forward to collaborating with this remarkable organisation in a co-design process over the coming months.

A federal election has been called. It's important now more than ever for us, as First Nations women, to be involved in decisions that affect our children, communities, and future generations. ❔Would you like to deepen your understanding of politics and learn how to engage in meaningful, safe, and impactful discussions? ❔Do you find it challenging to navigate opposing viewpoints on issues that directly affect you? ❔Are you passionate about particular issues but not sure where to direct your efforts to advocate for meaningful change? This is your opportunity to promote powerful conversations as First Nations women, amplify your voices, and drive greater participation. SpeakWrite are partnering with Turnstone Collective and Women for Election to deliver two unique training workshops in the NT titled 'Politics: Women’s Business', for First Nations women (non-binary, and gender diverse people included). The objective of politically neutral workshops is to encourage political agency and inspire potential for future political candidates. With a focus on inclusivity and engagement, we will build on the natural curiosity and determination of First Nations women in a respectful, inclusive atmosphere. Participation is free, and places are limited, so be sure to click the link to register your interest today. 🗳🗳🗳 🧡 Mparntwe/Alice Springs - First Nations Workshop: Mparntwe (Alice Springs) | 13 & 14 May 2025 - https://events.humanitix.com/expression-of-interest-first-nations-workshop-alice-springs-or-may-2025 🧡 Garramilla/Darwin - First Nations Workshop: Garramilla (Darwin) | 16 & 17 May 2025 - https://events.humanitix.com/expression-of-interest-first-nations-workshop-darwin-or-16-and-17-may-2025

This week in Mparntwe, an inspiring gathering of First Nations women changemakers took place, hosted by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) @ruralleaders_au and SpeakWrite. The event celebrated leadership, storytelling, and the power of community, revitalising connections and empowering voices to drive meaningful change. Changemaker refers to an individual who encourages and drives positive transformation within their community or broader society. The First Nations women involved with this week’s Changemaker, will use their change strategies, leadership, cultural knowledge, and storytelling skills to address challenges, champion causes, and create opportunities for growth and empowerment. The term emphasises their positions as active agents of change. The Changemaker Workshop by ARLF focuses on equipping people in rural, regional, and remote (drought-affected) areas with tools to adapt to change, develop trust, and build collaborative networks. First Nations Men’s Changemaker in Mparntwe has been rescheduled, watch this space on how to register and become a Changemaker. Jess & Cherisse pictured with Andrea, Director for Learning with ARLF. 🌟 #FirstNationsLeadership #Changemakers #RuralLeaders #ARLF #AboriginalWomen #Advocacy #Leadership #Aboriginalbusiness #BlakBusiness #BlakLeadership #LeadershipJourney #LeadershipInAction #EmpowermentJourney #FirstNationsLeadership #WomenInBusiness #CulturalEmpowerment #StorytellingForChange

Cherisse & Lachie have been out and about in the Barkly, visiting Ali Curung and Tennant Creek while leading the Barkly Aboriginal Workforce Project. ☀️🌳 Thank you to family and community members that are engaging with SpeakWrite as we work at co-designing a training program, one that allows Aboriginal people in the region to gain meaningful and sustainable employment. We are very lucky to be invited out to travel across this beautiful Barkly country, meeting deadly people, all of whom are committed to our self-determination and celebrating achievements of Aboriginal people. How special that Angus has been out with us too, meeting family along the way. We continue inspiring the next generation. SpeakWrite are visiting the region again at the end of March, including travel to Elliott, another community we aim to walk alongside in identifying strengths and opportunities for locals. If you have questions or an interest to meet up and chat more about this project, please reach out to us by emailing werte@speakwriteconsulting.com.au . (Pictured below with Deputy Chair for Barkly Council and Elder Noel Hayes) @barklyregionalcouncil @charlesdarwinuniversity @ntgovernment

This International Women's Day, SpeakWrite Commits to #AccelerateAction . As an Aboriginal female-owned business, International Women's Day resonates deeply with our mission to empower women through economic and leadership development. The 2025 theme "Accelerate Action" speaks to our core purpose. While current projections show it may take until year 2158 to reach gender parity, we refuse to wait five generations for change. Every day, we bear witness to the economic opportunities and leadership development taken up by women. When women excel in business, own their value, and participate fully in our economy, we see profound ripple effects: less workplace discrimination, decreased homelessness, fewer interactions with the justice system, and improved health outcomes. At SpeakWrite, we #firstnationswomen This IWD, we are proud to continue our work as catalysts for change. Join us in accelerating action for all women because the future we want is not five generations away—it's the one we are building today. #IWD2025 #SpeakWrite #Consulting #WomenEmpowerment #AboriginalBusiness #Aboriginalwomen #FirstNationsWomen

🔊🔊🔊 LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER! 🔊🔊🔊 FIRST NATIONS WOMEN’S CHANGEMAKER WORKSHOP Werte! SpeakWrite Consulting is proud to be co-facilitating the First Nations Women’s Changemaker Workshop in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) on March 10th-11th, 2025! This year, International Women’s Day calls us to “Accelerate Action”, and this workshop is a powerful way to do just that! It’s about equipping First Nations women with the tools, confidence, and networks to create meaningful change in their communities. During this transformative two-day workshop, you’ll: ✨ Strengthen your leadership and advocacy skills ✨ Learn how to drive positive change in your community ✨ Connect with like-minded women passionate about making a difference ✨ Gain practical tools to create impact and empower others Now is the time to accelerate action and step into leadership—because when First Nations women rise, communities thrive! DETAILS: 📅 March 10th - 11th, 2025 📍 White Gums, Mparntwe (Alice Springs) 🔗 Register now: https://programs.rural-leaders.org.au/women-changemaker-region14-alice-springs-0 For more information, contact ARLF at: support@rural-leaders.org @ruralleaders_au @kingsnarrative Tag your sisters, aunties, and friends who should be in the room! Let’s accelerate action and lead the way together! #AccelerateAction #IWD2025 #FirstNationsWomen #Changemakers #SpeakWriteConsulting #CommunityLeadership #Mparntwe #ARLF

First Nations Changemaker Regional Workshops 💡 @ruralleaders_au is hosting Changemaker regional Workshops in Mparntwe during March. - Become a Changemaker - Start Community Conversations - Care for Community - Shape your community's future Register your interest below. Don't miss out! Last year's session was highly attended and produced great outcomes for participants. They are offering separate sessions for Men and Women: First Nations Women's Changemaker https://programs.rural-leaders.org.au/women-changemaker-region14-alice-springs-0 First Nations Men's Changemaker https://programs.rural-leaders.org.au/men-changemaker-region14-alice-springs #ruralleaders #changemaker #firstnations

It was great to have the whole @speak.write.consulting team present for the @ntibn Mparntwe Hub Launch, and to hear from Big Boss, Board Members and Executives, and link-up with other local members. Black Business Members get down and see the space and yarn with David for business support and referrals to help your enterprise. 🖤 Also, it is important for us to have Lachie in town to support the next few months of projects and to introduce him to our networks. Reach out if you need our services or have a general inquiry. Time won't wait as we are already cruising through the first half of this year. ☺️ *Pics from NTIBN