Blaq Diamonds overcome their rough beginnings
TWO Townsville women are empowering indigenous females to discover their potential and live their best life.
Long- time friends Melisa Drummond-Anderson and Bernice Willes started Blaq Diamonds in 2017 after both suffered domestic violence.
“We just felt compelled to do something. We realised our purpose was to empower our women and to give them their control back,” Ms Drummond- Anderson said. “We realised the only way we can make a change in our community is if we stand up and take action.”
The pair is on a mission to give First Nations women guidance and inspiration to better themselves.
“We are giving them the tools and information on how they can make better informed decisions and improve their overall lifestyle,” Ms Drummond- Anderson said.
“Our long- term vision through women’s empowerment is to change the mindset of a lot of our people around getting out of the welfare trap.”
They said this year’s NAIDOC Week theme “Because of her, we can” was historically significant.
“It’s very fitting to our work, to showcase and promote that we do have talented, skilled and qualified First Nations women out there and recognise and acknowledge the legacy our aunties and elders have left,” Ms Drummond said.
Women from across the country will travel to Townsville this weekend for BLAQ Diamonds NAIDOC “Because of Her, We Can!” sold out gala evening.
“Some women have turned their lives around; it warms our hearts that our positive movement is already making a difference,” Ms Willes said.