WOW Katherine 2013

KATHERINE
Australia
20 – 22 SEPTEMBER 2013
Full Program

Introduction to WOW
The WOW – Women of the World – Festival is a global festival originating at
London’s Southbank Centre, that celebrates the formidable strength and
inventiveness of girls and women, where people of all ages and backgrounds can
applaud their achievements but also examine the obstacles that prevent them
from achieving their full potential. WOW is for everyone, not a women-only event.
In May 2013, Southbank Centre launched WOW in Australia as part of Sydney
Writers’ Festival (SWF), with a strand of work that ran throughout the festival
that focussed on girls and women. Highlights included Ruby Wax in the Sydney
Opera House with her show about mental illness, an Under 10's feminist corner,
speed mentoring for 300 people, a keynote from Jude Kelly, Artistic Director of
Southbank Centre and founder of WOW, and from Shami Chakrabarti, Director of
UK human rights organisation Liberty, who set out the story of women’s struggles
for freedom across the world. Now, in September 2013, WOW comes to Katherine
in the Northern Territory.
“I am thrilled by this wonderful invitation to create WOW with the amazing
women in Katherine. The pioneering spirit of the town and region is well
known and this festival gives a chance to celebrate the contributions of
girls and women past and present and to contribute to the global debate
on equality as an essential human right.”
- Jude Kelly, Artistic Director, Southbank Centre, London
“WOW Katherine is such an important opportunity for the Indigenous and
non-Indigenous women of the region to get together, talk and share their
cultures and, at the end of the day, as women together, to have some hard
earned fun!”
- Cath Bowdler, Director, Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts & Culture Centre
“Women of Katherine and across the Territory gathering will be significant
in uniting together, to learn from each other, to feel and heal the strength
of each others differences, knowledge & expertise.”
- Lisa Mumbin, Jawoyn Elder and Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts
& Culture Centre Board Member
WELCOME TO WOW – Women of the World
– Katherine
Message from Minister Anderson
As the Northern Territory Minister for Women’s Policy I welcome
you all to this important international festival.
The WOW – Women of the World Festival – Katherine is an
exciting opportunity for the women of the Northern Territory
to unite and collaborate with women from across the globe, to
share experiences, and to heal and learn from each other and to see ourselves
as part of a global network of women seeking to drive change for the better
and an equal world.
I congratulate Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts & Culture Centre in securing one
of the most important international celebrations of women and wish you all
success in your endeavours now and into the future.
Alison Anderson MLA
Minister for Women's Policy
Message from the Patron
We welcome with enthusiasm the Women of the World Festival
to the beautiful region of Katherine, home to Nitmiluk National
Park and Katherine Gorge. I am delighted and very honoured
to be Patron of a global festival that celebrates women’s
achievements and encourages women to form enduring and
healthy friendships and networks.
We know life in our regions has many wonderful advantages; lifestyle and being
part of a caring community are just two that come to mind. We also know there
are challenges. This is why it is important women who live in regional and remote
centres have the opportunity to come together and have meaningful conversations
about their hopes and concerns. And there is so much value in sharing
our experiences.
What a unique and precious opportunity for the community of Katherine. I look
forward to the privilege of meeting and listening to women of extraordinary
diversity. On behalf of the Northern Territory, I express gratitude to the
Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts & Culture Centre for hosting the festival.
Sally Thomas AM
Administrator of the Northern Territory
2 3

WOW BITS – Useful Information
Speakers Program
Join the WOW debate about issues
that affect women in the Katherine
region, the Northern Territory,
Australia and the world with wide
ranging discussions including women
and power, health, the beauty myth,
women working together across
cultural boundaries, remote living
and achieving your potential. Be
inspired by extraordinary and ordinary
women’s stories.
WOW Bites
Short punchy presentations by
inspiring people about things they are
passionate about – quirky, entertaining
and surprising!
Speed Mentoring
A WOW London special program –
live in Katherine! Join mentors from
many fields – arts, politics, sport,
health, journalism – as they are paired,
one on one, with mentees, for short
bursts of discussion and inspiration.
Registration is required as places
are limited – director@gyracc.org.au.
Saturday 21st in the Gallery.
WOW Market Place
– the Foyer
Stall holders include Viva La Body, the
Red Cross, Mimi Arts and Crafts and
other charities and organisations that
support women.
Food stalls on site.
Workshops Program
– the marquee
Informal and interactive, workshops
offer the opportunity to share with
women and learn about their culture,
language and crafts.
Saturday and Sunday
workshops include:
10.30AM – 1.30PM
Weaving from the Desert
to the Tropics
The famous Tjanpi Desert Weavers
and Traditional Weavers from the
Katherine region will teach weaving
techniques used by Aboriginal women
across the Northern Territory.
10.30AM – 1.30PM
Working with Wool
Learn spinning, knitting and crochet.
Knit yourself a beanie or crochet
a square with the wizards of wool,
June Edwards and Carol Anderson.
1.30 – 2.30PM
Kriol in 1 hour
Have a go at learning Kriol, the
language developed in Ngukurr
300kms south east of Katherine,
and commonly used throughout the
Katherine region amongst Indigenous
and non-Indigenous people.
2.30 – 3.30PM
Cultural Stories
Indigenous and non-Indigenous women
from the Katherine region will share a
vast range of stories and experiences
of life and living in remote Australia.
Exhibitions
This all from Mangarrayi
A collection of new textile works by
women from the Mangarrayi Arts and
Craft Group based at Jilkminggan
community in the Northern Territory
celebrating a fusion of traditional
plant knowledge, contemporary dyeing
and printing techniques and designs
from country.
Women and War
International Committee of the Red
Cross (ICRC) photographic exhibition
depicting women from around the
world who have suffered because of
armed conflict and women who are
courageously coping with its impact.
The Social Fabric
Confronting work by Darwin-based
photographer and graphic artist
Therese Ritchie based on the theme
of alcohol related issues in Katherine.
From Women and
War exhibition –
Afghanistan: Women
waiting to receive
assistance, Nick Danziger
Performances
Friday 20 September
Borroloola Dancers
As part of WOW Opening Celebrations
dancers from both the Garawa
Robinson River Dancers and the
Gurandji Dancers of Borroloola
will be performing their traditional
dances that tell stories from the Gulf
and beyond. See page 6.
Natalie Pa’apa’a
Front woman, for Blue King Brown,
the nationally renowned urban roots
band and social activist. See page 6.
Saturday 21 September
Lisa Pellegrino and
Foxxy Empire
See page 10.
Sietta
Electronic soul duo from Darwin,
made up of vocalist Caiti Baker
and producer/instrumentalist
James Mangohig. See page 10.
Media program
Karyn Sassella
SOS (Sharing our Stories) – a
soundscape of women humanitarian
aid workers voices. Co-ordinated
by Karyn Sassella, sound editing
by Elka Kerkhofs.
4 5

Wow program
Friday 20 September
6.00 – 7.30pm – The Forum
– Welcome Celebrations
Welcome to Country
Lisa Mumbin, Jawoyn Elder and
Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts
& Culture Centre Board Member
Welcome to Katherine
Fay Miller, Mayor of Katherine
WOW Katherine Official Opening
Alison Anderson MLA, Member
for Namatjira and Minister for
Women’s Policy
Welcome Dance –
Borroloola Dancers
Dancers from both the Garawa
Robinson River Dancers and the
Gurandji Dancers of Borroloola
will be performing their traditional
dances that tell stories from the Gulf
and beyond.
Natalie Pa’apa’a
Borroloola Dancers
(Photo Wayne
Quillian)
celebratory drinks
A chance to get to know speakers and
other members of the audience.
7.30pm – The Forum
Concert
Natalie Pa’apa’a
Front woman, for Blue King Brown,
the nationally renowned urban roots
band and social activist.
Saturday 21 September
Morning sessions across both
Forum and Gallery
9.30am – The Forum
Welcome to WOW Katherine
Welcome to Country – Denise
Williams, Dagoman Traditional Owner
and GYRACC Board Member
The Hon Sally Thomas, Administrator
of the NT and WOW Katherine Patron
Craig Lambert, GYRACC Chair
Cath Bowdler, GYRACC Director
10.00am – The Forum
Keynote Address
Jude Kelly on the distribution of
power in the world – and why she
started WOW.
Jude Kelly, Artistic Director Southbank Centre,
London
10.30 – 11.00am
Morning tea
10.30AM – 1.30PM – workshoP
Weaving from the Desert
to the Tropics – see page 4
10.30AM – 1.30PM – workshop
Working with Wool – see page 4
11.00am – The Forum
The Poisoned Chalice:
Women and Power
In 2013 Australia had a female Prime
Minister, a female Head of State (the
Governor General), female Premiers
and even a few CEOs of major
companies. However, in the light of the
personal attacks and vitriol unleashed
on many of these leaders and other
women in positions of power, what
are the challenges, rewards and
implications of women saying ‘yes’
to power?
Clare Martin,
first female Chief
Minister of the
Northern Territory,
Bess Price MLA
Member for Stuart,
Lisa Mumbin,
Jawyon leader and
Lisa Mumbin
Shirley Randell, an international
consultant in human rights and
empowering women, discuss
these issues.
12.15 – 1.15pm
Lunch
6 7

Saturday 21 September
Saturday 21 September
1.15 – 2.15pm – The Forum
Looking the Part
There is increasing pressure on
women and especially young women
to look and behave in certain narrowly
defined, unattainable and increasingly
prescribed ways. Celebrity ‘raunch’
culture, pervasive media imagery and
now social media suggest that, as
well as outside influences, pressure
can come from peers. Cyber bullying
is on the rise and is a serious issue
for young women.
Performer and human rights activist
Natalie Pa’apa’a, Sudanese refugee
Jane Alia, Muslim engineer Yassmin
Abdel-Magied and Jessica Cullen
from the ‘Skin Deep’ Project shed light
on these issues on a panel for women
of all ages.
1.15 – 2.15pm –The Gallery
You Live Where?
Women in remote and isolated
communities all over the world
experience unique challenges rarely
discussed in the media today. These
women juggle lives as mothers,
educators, pastoralists, managers
and, in some instances, as artists.
Both Kim Mahood, raised on Mongrel
Downs in the Tanami Desert, and
Shona Underwood, from Inverway
Station, maintain artistic careers and
will discuss the trials and triumphs
of remote living whilst juggling the
particular challenges of the artistic
life. Sally Sullivan lives at Cave Creek
Station near Mataranka and, in her
role as President of the Isolated
Children’s Parent’s Association, will
discuss “Learning kids in the bush!”
(sic). June Tapp, Katherine matriarch,
will also talk about her varied
experiences of life in the bush.
1.30 – 2.30PM – workshop
Kriol in 1 hour – see page 4
2.30 – 3.30PM – workshop
Cultural Stories – see page 4
2.30 – 3.30pm – The Forum
WOW Bites
Kyla Raby International Humanitarian
Law Officer with the Red Cross on her
work in community development in
Kenya/Uganda and the Tiwi Islands.
Cerise King, an Indigenous woman
born and bred in Katherine on her love
of bodybuilding.
Joanne Dodd – “Like Water for Soap!”
– on the secrets of organic soap
making.
Johanna Bell, education researcher
and author on writing popular
childrens’ book ‘Too Many Cheeky Dogs’,
with artist Dion Beasley.
Emma Cameron shares her
experience of the Indigenous Marathon
project and competing in the ill-fated
2013 Boston Marathon.
2.30 – 3.30pm – the Gallery
Cross-culture Kantri
This session explores the stories
and issues that arise as a result
of Indigenous and non-Indigenous
women’s long term collaborations and
engagement. Jo Foster has worked
with the Tjanpi Desert Weavers for
over ten years, travelling with them
to the NPY Lands to collect grass,
sculpt and weave, sing and dance and
keep culture strong whilst creating
the ‘Tjanpi’s' innovative and whimsical
fibre art. Dee Lightfoot and Annette
Kaggolo will do a joint presentation
about the obstacles and successes of
working together over many years on
environmental projects in the Great
Sandy Desert, sharing their journey of
learning from each other to overcome
cultural barriers.
3.30 – 4.00pm
Afternoon Tea
4.00 – 5.00pm – The Forum
Law Both Ways
While women have made great strides
in the legal profession, many of the
most disadvantaged and vulnerable
women find themselves on the wrong
side of the law. Legal issues affecting
women in the Northern Territory
include domestic and sexual violence,
harassment in the workplace and
family breakdown. For Indigenous
women it is even more complex as they
have to navigate two sets of laws and
codes of behavior. The Honourable
Sally Thomas was the first female
judge in the NT and will share insights
from her distinguished career.
Priscilla Collins, an Eastern Arrernte
woman and the CEO of the North
Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency,
will explore justice issues for women
and Millawanga Sandy, a Jawoyn
Elder, will talk about customary law
for Indigenous women in the region.
Tjanpi Desert
Weavers
8 9

Saturday 21 September
Sunday 22 September
4.00 – 5.30pm – The Gallery
Speed Mentoring
The speed mentoring event is open to
women at all stages of their careers
and is a wonderful opportunity to spend
time individually with women who
have experience and share expertise
in supporting women from all walks of
life. Registration is required as places
are limited. See website for details.
Refer to page 4.
9.30 – 9.40am – The Forum
9.40 – 10.40am – The Gallery
The Healthy Option
There are a number of particular
health issues for women who live in
remote and regional parts of Australia.
These include access to affordable
health services and facilities, the
wide spread abuse of alcohol in
communities and the mental health
issues brought about by isolation.
However, through innovative programs
that foster a ‘two ways’ approach to
healthy living, some women have taken
steps to address these issues. Marion
Scrymgour will focus on health issues
for women in Katherine. The Banatjarl
Strongbala Wumin Grup of Jawoyn
women support cultural regeneration,
family support, reduction of violence,
aged and youth programs, including
their Bush Medicine and Bush Tucker
Garden. Katherine woman Toni Tapp
Coutts battled breast cancer in 2013
and has experienced first hand the
difficulties remote women face when
dealing with serious illness.
7.00pm – the forum
Lisa Pellegrino and Ms Foxxy
Empire performance
Concert
Sietta
Electronic soul duo from Darwin –
producer/instrumentalist James
Mangohig and vocalist Caiti Baker.
Speed Mentoring at the Sydney Writers' Festival
(Photo Cynthia Sciberras)
Lisa Pellegrino and
Ms Foxxy Empire
Sietta
Introduction and recap
Jude Kelly and Cath Bowdler
summarise where we’re up to so far
and introduces the day ahead.
9.40 – 10.40am –
The Forum
The Grass Ceiling
“We’re in the bush…
it’s the grass ceiling
here”. The reference
Melissa Page
is to the famous
notion of the ‘glass ceiling’, a term
used to describe the unseen barriers
that prevent women and other groups
from rising to the upper rungs of the
corporate and professional ladders,
regardless of qualifications or
experience. This session features talks
by three women who have achieved
against the odds in traditionally male
dominated arenas. Melissa Page is
currently the XO (second in charge)
at the Tindal RAAF Base outside
Katherine. Yassmin Abdel-Magied, a
young Muslim woman and engineer
works on the oil and gas rigs off
the Queensland coast and Vanessa
Hutchins works as a technical
production manager with some of the
big names of the entertainment world.
Chair: Jude Kelly
Banatjarl Strongbala
Wumin Grup
10 11

Sunday 22 September
Sunday 22 September
10.00 – 11.00am
Katherine Bus Tour
Hop aboard for a tour of sites of
interest in Katherine led by Gillian
Banks from the National Trust.
10.30AM – 1.30PM – workshoP
Weaving from the Desert
to the Tropics – see page 4
10.30AM – 1.30PM – workshop
Working with Wool – see page 4
10.40 – 11.00am –
Bungul area
Morning tea
Borroloola Dancers
performance
11.00am – 12.00pm –
The Forum
Breaking Through
The inspiring stories of six individuals
who have overcome great obstacles and
shown courage and fortitude, turning
potential tragedy into triumph. Rob and
Sarah Cook live on Suplejack Downs
Station in the remote Tanami Desert.
Rob’s life changed forever three years
ago when a horrific helicopter crash left
him a wheelchair-bound quadriplegic.
Sarah Cook is a nurse and Rob’s primary
carer who continues to help him to help
other injured farmers fight for their
way of life. Bhakti
Mainaly Dhamala, a
Bhutanese woman,
will discuss her
journey from refugee
and stateless person
to community leader
Bhakti Mainaly
in Darwin. Ellen
Dhamala
Gogh, Juanita Heparia
and Madeleine Bower, members of the
Stolen Generation, share their stories
of resilience and healing.
11.00am – 12.00pm–
the Gallery
Art at the Interface
There is a developing history
in Australian art that charts
the engagement and ‘two way’
conversation of artists who work at
the cross-cultural interface. Many
artists who work in remote Australia
are drawn to that space. Therese
Ritchie is a Darwin artist and graphic
designer committed to addressing
issues affecting Indigenous communities
in the Northern Territory particularly
the complex terrain
of race relations.
Regina Wilson is a
prominent Indigenous
artist based in the
Daly River region,
who in recent years
has undertaken a
Kim Mahood
collaboration with
up-market design studio Koskela.
Kim Mahood is a writer and artist who
Sunday 22 September
spends several months each year in
the Tanami and Great Sandy Desert
region, working on projects with
Aboriginal traditional owners. Her essay
‘Kartiya are like Toyotas: White Workers
on Australia’s Cultural Frontier’, was
included in Best Australian Essays 2012.
12.15 – 1.15pm – The Forum
The F word
Jude Kelly, Cathy
Hunt, Jane Alia and
others discuss what
the word ‘feminism’
means today. Is
it over? Is there
Jane Alia
a ‘third wave’ of
feminism happening now? Is it relevant
to young women? And has anything
taken its place?
12.15 – 1.15pm – the Gallery
WOW Bites
Leonie Norrington, an award winning
author and journalist on myths and
storytelling in the modern world.
Domino Pateman, programmer at
Southbank Centre on having been the
UK's youngest pilot at age 16.
Well known pastoralist Terry
Underwood on the commissioning and
unveiling of the landmark public art
work, The Katherine Icon.
Katherine Derby Dolls, Claire “Karnage
Bear” Mullen AND Steph “Dodger
Moore” Buzza on what it takes to ‘put
the skates on’ competitively.
Sue Brosnan, pastorialist and
sportswoman, on representing
Australia in the 1984 LA Olympics,
winning the first medal ever for
Australian rowing.
1.15 – 2.00pm
Lunch
1.30 – 2.30PM – workshop
Kriol in 1 hour – see page 4
2.00 – 3.00pm – The Forum
Festival Wrap Up
Jude Kelly, Lisa Mumbin and Cath
Bowdler reflect on WOW Katherine
and explore the possibilities of 'where
to from here?' A general discussion.
Katherine
Derby Dolls’
Claire “Karnage
Bear” Mullen
and Steph
“Dodger Moore”
Buzza
12 13

Sponsors and thanks
Sharing our cultures
…building our community
Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts &
Culture Centre (GYRACC) was officially
opened on 14 July 2012, finally coming
to fruition after 12 years of community
action and consultation. The aim of the
Centre is to develop and nurture all
forms of local art and culture as well
as to present touring exhibitions and
performances of national significance
in this regional community. GYRACC
has developed into a cross-cultural
arts enterprise that serves the whole
Katherine region. The Centre is
underpinned by the ‘two way’ learning
philosophy. It aspires to become
a ‘model for reconciliation’ in the
community through the presentation
of exhibitions and performances
of Indigenous and non-Indigenous
cultural expression together.
Godinymayin Yijard Rivers
Arts & Culture Centre
Stuart Highway, Katherine East
p 08 8972 3751
e shop@gyracc.org.au
w www.gyracc.org.au
fb https://www.facebook.com/
GodinymayinYijardRivers
ArtsAndCultureCentre
Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts & Culture Centre
(Photo Shane Eecan)
The board and staff of Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts & Culture Centre wish
to sincerely thank the team from Southbank Centre, London and all our
sponsors, supporters, volunteers and dedicated workers who helped to make
WOW Katherine possible. We would also like to acknowledge the assistance
of Cathy Hunt and staff at Positive Solutions.
WOW Katherine wishes to acknowledge that our event takes place on the
land of the Jawoyn, Dagoman and Wardaman Peoples. We wish to pay respect
to the Traditional Owners of this Country past and present.
14 15

Prices
Friday $25 including Natalie Pa’apa’a concert
Saturday $40 including workshops, comedy and Sietta concert
Sunday $25 including workshops
WOW 3 day pass $70 for all events
Free for 15–18 yrs
Registration
Strictly limited places – register early
Online www.gyracc.org.au
Phone 08 8972 3751
Email shop@gyracc.org.au
WOW is supported
internationally by Bloomberg