The stage is set for the 2018 Shoalhaven Women’s Wellness Festival and it is promising to be a great day filled with entertainment, community spirit and access to local service providers.

More than thirty stallholders including Lifeline, Shoalhaven Neighbourhood Services, Centrelink, Waminda and Flourish Australia, will be ready to engage with the local community to provide access to information, local services and support.

This year’s Festival will also feature several speakers, workshops and of course local talent to keep everyone entertained. Petty Officer Olivia Usback and Leading Seaman Christy Thompson, both currently posted to HMAS Albatross, will give insight into the opportunities the Navy offers for women in the local area.

With over 30 years of combined experience both women have seen numerous overseas deployments in their specialty fields as Electronics and Avionics Technicians.

They are sure to be an inspiration for anyone interested in pursuing a career in the Defence Force. 

Throughout the day Karina Lindsay, a qualified art therapist and senior Mental Health Worker at Flourish Australia will be leading the Kindness Flag Project.

“Flourish Australia is bringing this project to the Women's Wellness Festival in 2018 to promote and encourage strength and resilience in the beautiful women of this area,” Karina said. 

Each participant will be encouraged to represent their own story involving these elements on a prepared flag. The Kindness Flags will be hung at the festival and then later at the Shoalhaven Women’s Health Centre.

Local Jazz outfit Lotus will be performing songs inspired by Jazz greats Nina Simone, Mama Cass and Etta James. Returning to bring musical and movement elements to the festival will be two of the Mimi’s Gift Belly Dancing groups – The Bedouin Belles and Amun Gula – who wowed crowds at last year’s festival.

Tai Chi for Health will be presenting an interactive workshop and encouraging everyone to learn more about the art and benefits of Tai Chi.

Festival goers will be well catered for by several local food stallholders. Nyully Tucker and Cullunghutti will be serving delicious morsels with indigenous flavours. For those with a sweet tooth Mercies Gelato and Hodges Ice Cream will be just the place to go. Salt Ministries, Serras Sweet Corn and Samespresso will also be there. 

This year’s Festival will again be supported by Community Services students from Nowra TAFE. Volunteers will be well-nourished for a big day thanks to the lunch bags provided by CWA Berry and sponsored by Member for Gilmore Ann Sudmalis.

The festivities will kick off at 1pm on Thursday, March 15 at Nowra Showground with a Welcome to Country. It is an alcohol free event. All are welcome and there is no cost to attend.