The Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre is launching a beautiful new initiative this winter to support women to reconnect with themselves and the natural world around them.
The Whale Watching Wonder Walks series will be held on three afternoons during the whale migration season for women who have or are experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence.
The walks will take place at Bushrangers Bay Aquatic Reserve, renowned for its rich marine life and expansive ocean views.
Alex Mlodziejewski, Social and Groups Coordinator at the Centre, describes the walks as “a guided process that supports women to open up their senses, their eyes, their minds and their hearts to moments of beauty and to look for things that spark a sense of awe and wonder.”
June to mid-July marks the peak of the northern humpback migration, making the possibility of seeing whales a draw. However, the focus of the walks is less on the wildlife and more on the collective experience of presence, community, and gentle exploration.
“We’ll end the walk at a viewing spot where we might spot whales, seals, dolphins, and birdlife, but there are no guarantees,” Alex said.
“We’ll bring a thermos, some tea, and biscuits. It’s a social group out in nature, centred around cultivating a particular kind of attention and presence.”
These walks are open to women engaged with the Centre’s services. They are part of its growing range of trauma-informed, nature-based social healing activities, including trauma-sensitive Yoga, equine-assisted learning and a new gardening group at Dapto Community Farm.
To register or learn more, please contact the Centre on 4243 9800.
You can check out our other classes, workshops, and services here.