Family Violence Prevention and Legal Services Victoria’s Community Engagement manager Kelly Faldon said it was a day of pampering, celebration of the Indigenous culture and discussion on family violence. 

“The Sister’s Day out program encourages women to come together and show support,” she said. 

“We hope to break down barriers and provide women with a safe place to discuss family violence.” 

Ms Faldon said the day provided education around family violence – including information on how legal services could assist women and children to achieve safer outcomes.

She said the women in attendance also had access to a FVPLS Victoria lawyer and counsellor to discuss their situation privately.

“There is a lot of fear and mistrust when it comes to family violence,” Ms Faldon said.

“We are about changing the narrative and showing that it is okay to speak up and seek support.”

Ms Faldon said the workshop reminded women to take time out to look after themselves.

“Aboriginal women deal with a lot of stress in their day to day lives,” she said. 

The women were pampered throughout the day with hairdressing, massages and manicure services available. 

Ms Faldon said the Sisters Day Out workshop began in 2007 and almost 8000 Aboriginal women had participated.