Heyy!!
My name is Shiobhan but everyone knows me as Shibs. I am 32 years young and am a proud Wulgurukaba, Gunggandji woman who works in mental health down in Naarm in a First Nations Lived Experience specific role. The last 2 + years of my life have been filled with so much grief, growth and healing in my life that I finally feel ready to completely liberate myself and say goodbye to my Rainbow locks that I have loved and cherished. Whilst I have embraced the incredible colour expression, Im ready to lose the locks and go on a new adventure. What better way to do it then by also raising funds for an amazing organisation in the process.
I fought back and forth in my mind if I was going to do Shave for a Cure but ultimately I decided I wanted to pick an organisation that reflected both my own journey and for the people I work with everyday as a way to give back to an organisation that has given me so much.
I was first introduced to Weenthunga late last year after having an opportunity to attend one of their retreats run for First Nation women in healthcare. What came from that retreat was a weekend full of beautiful memories I will cherish for the rest of my life. Connection to my culture. Kinship. Sisterhood. Understanding. Its where The Royal Tiddas formed and became the collective we are today.
For so many years I have struggled with my identity and for the first time in my life I feel like I am finally living my most authentic life.
Weenthunga have filled my cup up on many occassions allowing me to continue to do the work I do so what better way to say thanks then to give back to them and liberate myself in the process.
Holding space for so many people in my work and advocating for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a system created to supress them has been rewarding but has also challenged me and has hit way too close to home on several occasions. If it wasn't for the work Weenthunga do to support First Nations women in healthcare - Im not sure I could confidently say I would still be working in this role today.
Every little bit counts and I appreciate the time you have taken to read this.
Always was. Always will be ??❤️
For more information about them you can find them here.
https://weenthunga.com.au/
So proud of you Sis! ?