Queensland Women

As Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month draws to a close, we’re reflecting on the important work being done to help women impacted by domestic and family violence rebuild.

Broken to Brilliant is helping women take control of their financial futures through their empowering Financial Superwomen workshops.

"I knew that financial insecurity kept women and children in unsafe situations. As a result, the Financial Superwomen workshop was born." said Karen Linsday, Director of Broken to Brilliant.

Now, thanks to an Empowering Queensland Women grant, this powerful workshop model is expanding to North Queensland! In June, free workshops will be held in:
📍 Townsville – 11 June
📍 Airlie Beach – 13 June
📍 Mackay – 14 June

These workshops are designed for women who have experienced domestic and family violence, helping them build financial confidence and knowledge. With a train-the-trainer approach, this initiative is also building long-term capacity to ensure ongoing support for women in the community.

Spots are limited — register now and take the first step towards financial independence: brokentobrilliant.org/events

KindHer Threads is a Toowoomba business that collects donated new and pre-loved clothing, shoes and accessories and uses them to create personalised styling sessions for women from all walks and seasons of life.

KindHer Threads provides complimentary styling experiences to women navigating life's hardest chapters, helping them build confidence and feel seen, valued and supported.

"Being in a tight-knit town means word spreads quickly, creating opportunities for collaboration, donations, and volunteer engagement. At just nine months into the journey, we’re still learning, still growing our network of donors, volunteers, and partner organisations. The support and generosity of our local community have allowed us to build really strong relationships and reach women who benefit the most from our services."

You can find information, tools, and support for small businesses via Business Queensland or at www.business.qld.gov.au.

Business success can happen back home! 🌺

In celebration of Queensland Small Business Month this May, our friends at Business Queensland have been speaking to Queenslanders who’ve turned their unique passions into thriving businesses.

Lola Digital is a pioneering creative business based on Waiben (Thursday Island) that provides unique content and marketing support to Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) and beyond. It's an inspiring example of how First Nations women can stay on country while building a thriving remote business, contributing to their digital economy, and reinvesting in their local community.

"Our Queensland community has been very supportive—and that includes the support we've received from government services. Even though we're remote on Waiben, we do our best to stay connected with the opportunities that are on offer state-wide." said founder, Kantesha.

For more information, tools, and support tailored for Queensland business owners and industry sectors, visit 👉 www.business.qld.gov.au

National Reconciliation Week invites all Australians to pause, reflect and take meaningful steps toward a more inclusive future.

This year’s theme - All In - reminds us that reconciliation is an ongoing responsibility we all share.

From 27 May to 3 June 2026, you can take part by joining or hosting local events that celebrate culture and encourage meaningful conversations. It’s also a great time to learn more about the history and importance of National Reconciliation Week.

To learn more and find events near you, visit qld.gov.au/reconciliationweek or reconciliation.org.au.

deadly stories 🫱🏾‍🫲🏽

Meet Samantha - a boilermaker with Drake Trailers and an ambassador and industry influencer for Manufacturing Skills Queensland. 👋

Samantha fell into a career in boilermaking after completing a Certificate II in Engineering Pathways and now loves welding sheets of metal together to create a useable product.

A passionate advocate for women in manufacturing, Samantha has spent the past two years mentoring school students and enjoys watching them grow and discover their own passions.

Through the Gateway to Industry Schools program, Manufacturing Skills Queensland has expanded its Women in Trades Mentoring Program to include students, and Samantha’s impact is already clear.

Two of her mentees from Glenala State High School are now completing their Certificate II in Engineering Pathways and are working towards securing school-based apprenticeships.

Samantha says it's great to see programs like these opening doors for the next generation of females to join the manufacturing workforce. 💪

Learn more ➡️ https://brnw.ch/21x2tje
Industry Influencers ➡️ https://brnw.ch/21x2tjf

Via our friends at Skills for Queensland 💫

Food has always been a big part of Bianca’s life, especially the time she spent in her grandmother’s kitchen learning recipes and stories. That love grew into her catering business, Estelle's Lane, which now brings those flavours and memories to the Mackay community.

Bianca was born and raised on Yuwi Country, with family connections to Lifou in New Caledonia, Ambrym and Tanna Island in Vanuatu, Buka Island and Malaita in the Solomons, as well as Darumbal, Juru and Erub Island.

She's a proud Australian South Sea Islander woman whose identity is shaped by the strength and resilience of her ancestors. Rugby league is also a big part of her story, with Bianca having represented the Australian Jillaroos and playing for Mackay in the Kanaka Proud Cup. 🏉

Multicultural Affairs, Queensland Government 🫶🏽

Congratulations to the 2026 Queensland Volunteer of the Year, Carolyn Robinson! 🏆

Carolyn reminds us what volunteering is truly about — not recognition, but creating real change.

As the founder of Beyond DV, Carolyn has dedicated herself to supporting women and families rebuilding their lives after domestic violence. Her journey shows the power of community: families, volunteers and supporters all working together to improve the lives of others.

As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, it’s a moment to recognise the countless people across Queensland who share Carolyn’s passion and give their time simply because they care. And if you haven't volunteered before, this week is the perfect moment to take that first step.

It's your year to volunteer. Get involved at volunteeringqld.org.au

Find out more about Beyond DV at: www.beyonddv.org.au

Volunteering Queensland

Women’s State of Origin kicks off the Magic Round here in Queensland tonight!

Don’t miss Game II, starting at 7:45pm (Brisbane time) at Suncorp Stadium, as the Queensland Maroons take on NSW Blues Women.

Who do you think will reign under the bright lights of Suncorp? Let us know your predictions! 👇🏉