2016 PROGRAM

WELCOME
SEVEN SISTERS ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE FESTIVAL IS HELD ON THE TRADITIONAL
LANDS OF THE BOON WURRUNG PEOPLE, IN THE KULIN NATION
Seven Sisters Festival welcomes all women, including: women of culturally and linguistically diverse
backgrounds (CALD), women of every gender expression and identity, women of diverse sexualities,
women of diverse abilities, and women of diverse religious backgrounds and belief.
Since creation, women have gathered to share space, stories, laughter and tears
in safe, supportive environments. We invite you to embark on this journey of
love and energy at the Seven Sisters Festival 2016.
What’s On & OPERATIONS page 4
GENERAL SAFETY page 6
Welcome Dear Friend,
Many of you may be are aware of the conversations happening, not only within our community
but the world at large.
We are living during a season of cultural shifts. Society is once more reflecting on the depths of
its constructs and systems around identity, equality, gender and inclusiveness.
Through conversations with several of you about how this relates to the festival, I have heard an array
of fears, concerns and passionate convictions. I want to acknowledge all of you for your heart and your
willingness to speak your truth with honesty and courage. I thank you for sharing your stories.
Most importantly, through these conversations I have been touched by the extent of our similarities:
the bravery, the heart and a sincere desire to listen to one another and be open to change.
I feel deeply humbled and connected to you all by our shared longings: to protect what we value,
to be heard without judgment and to be accepted as we are, regardless of our differences.
We all want to be respected for our choices and we all want to feel welcomed. I believe Seven Sisters
Festival is a place for that and we each play an important role in co-creating that reality.
Many eyes are looking to us to see what change a collective of thousands of impassioned women
will bring and what we can embody and demonstrate to the world. We can move past our fears,
and misapprehensions, and open our hearts and minds whilst rejoicing in our shared human experience.
I leave you with the words of the Greek philosopher Plato, who, just like we are now, would gather with
his peers to share wisdom and philosophise about what the world could be…
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”
I invite you to hold compassion in your hearts and delve into the depths of the this rich,
beautiful transformative safe space we all share.
Enjoy your Seven Sisters experience! With love and respect to all,
Lauren Woodman
Festival Creator & Director
Bodywise page 10
Arts & Learning page 14
Sacred Space page 16
Circle Of Stones page 18
Ritual Space page 20
The Hub page 22
LIFE SKILLS page 26
Festival Program page 28
Vitality Tent page 32
SEVEN SISTERS PERFORMERS page 35
MUSIC SCHEDULE - THE HUB page 44
MUSIC SCHEDULE - CHAI TENT page 45
MUSIC SCHEDULE - FESTIVAL HEART page 46
MUSIC SCHEDULE - THE TRAIN STATION page 47
THE WITCHING HOUR page 47
SPONSORS page 48
TRAFFIC/GROUNDS MAP page 50
FESTIVAL MAP page 52
THANK YOU page 54