International Women's Day at STEP

Last weekend we celebrated International Women’s Day with a special gathering at the Southern Tablelands Ecosystems Park (STEP), bringing together women from across our community to connect, learn and reflect on caring for Country.

Set among the native plant collections at STEP, the morning created space for sharing knowledge and experiences while exploring the garden through both scientific and cultural perspectives. We were honoured to be joined by Aunty Karen Denny from Buru Ngunawal Aboriginal Corporation, who shared cultural insights about connection to Country and the importance of caring for landscape and community.

Melissa Bell also shared Ngunawal language with the group, introducing words connected to the landscape and plants around us, adding another layer of meaning to our time together on Country.

Participants took part in a nature journaling activity, or “nature scrolling,” which encouraged everyone to slow down, observe their surroundings and capture small details of the garden through drawing, writing or reflection. It was a quiet moment of connection with the environment and each other.

Thank you to all the women who joined us for a thoughtful and inspiring way to mark International Women’s Day, we hope that it is something we will continue to do each year.