Connection, Culture & Confidence: Kuwa Circles

On Wednesday 28 May, headspace Onkaparinga was proud to host a powerful session of the Kuwa Circles - a culturally grounded initiative designed to foster connection, self-expression, and future planning for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The day began with a Yarning Circle, led by Rob, our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peer Practitioner based at headspace Marion. This created a safe, welcoming space where participants were invited to share their stories, values, and lived experiences - setting a strong foundation of trust and belonging for the day ahead.

With the group feeling connected and supported, Rob was joined by Leigh, our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peer Practitioner here at headspace Onkaparinga. Together, they generously shared their own journeys - speaking openly about the challenges they’ve overcome, the resilience they’ve developed, and the growth they’ve experienced along the way.

Their stories were powerful and deeply personal, inspiring participants to reflect on their own identities, aspirations, and sense of place within their communities. Through their example, Rob and Leigh highlighted the importance of recognising personal strengths, embracing cultural pride, and pursuing goals with confidence.

After a shared lunch and plenty of meaningful conversations, the afternoon transitioned into a series of job-readiness workshops led by Sam and Elle from our Work & Study team. These practical sessions explored:

• Interview techniques and preparation
• Navigating workplace disclosure
• Building confidence in professional settings

Participants walked away with practical tools to support both their immediate employment goals and their long-term career journeys.

This Kuwa Circles session was a strong reminder of the power of cultural knowledge, peer support, and community connection. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took part and helped create such a thoughtful and empowering day.