Palawa woman Nikola McHamilton, Ngwala’s Grants, Funding & Projects Officer, had the incredible opportunity to attend the ECHO (Elevating Connections Healing Ourselves) First Nations Women’s Leadership Program in November last year.
This highly competitive program received hundreds of applications for its 2025 intake, and Nikola was one of only 16 women across Victoria selected to take part.
One of the most powerful moments for Nikola was The Modern Matriarch workshop, which was a deeply emotional session exploring the women they look up to and how to embody the strength and wisdom of a modern matriarch. The conversations were raw and healing, touching on family, resilience, and the legacies we carry. This workshop served as a theme that underpinned many moments throughout the program.
For Nikola, it was a chance to reflect on her own journey and the incredible women in her life. In particular, she reflected on the impacts of her Mum, step-Mum, Nan, and Ngwala’s own Paula Russell, who are women that inspire strength and determination for her.
Nikola shared that the experience was transformative. She learned to embrace the belief that “I am enough”, which is a shift that her colleagues have already noticed. Although Nikola is a very modest person, when sitting at a table with so many women she admires, she realised she truly deserved her place. The program created a sense of sisterhood, and the group still connects daily in their group chat, offering support and laughter even in the face of shared challenges.
From learning to weave with Ange Jeffrey, to yarning circles with the Aunties, to creating their own Leadership Action Plan, the program blended cultural learning with professional development seamlessly. Nikola gained insights into staying curious in difficult moments, explored traditions and ceremonies, and even established her own legacy box which served as a time capsule for them to hold themselves accountable to their goals while they were there.
“It was healing, humbling, and empowering,” Nikola said. “We laughed, we learned, and we cried every single day – but in a nice way!”
We’re so proud of Nikola for representing Ngwala and bringing back valuable knowledge, strength, and inspiration to our community.
