in the company of kindred spirits
The Wild Women of Wollongong community is a testament to the power of women coming together to foster friendships and their love for nature.
Words Ali Gerritsen @alifishart
Images Tahlia Russell
Currently sitting at almost 8,000 members, chances are you have heard of the Facebook community gaining traction in the area. Founded by Tahlia Russell in November 2022, ‘Wild Women of Wollongong’ (WWoW) is a group for women of all ages to make new friends and connect with nature by hosting and joining adventures and activities.
“It has always been a dream of mine to create a safe space for women to find like-minded friends who share similar interests in specific adventures and activities. I value my support network, being in nature, and having friends to do fun things with. So, I wanted to create a space for women to have that same opportunity,” says Tahlia.
Surrounded by nature, the Illawarra has so much to offer the adventurous spirit. “Connecting with others and connecting with nature is so beneficial for every aspect of human existence. I hope this group provides a space for women to be themselves, to be brave, and to be their true wildest selves, whatever that means for them.”
The group is private, meaning you must read a set of rules and answer questions before you are permitted entry, however once admitted you can see upcoming events and get involved in ongoing activities.
Activities include rock climbing, surfing, overnight hiking, day hiking, walks, yoga/Pilates/Zumba, evenings out, daytime meetups, snow sports, board/card games, book club, art/crafts space, 4x4, musicians/singers, kayaking/canoeing, swimming, running/trail running, snorkeling, camping, kid-friendly, skating, motorbike, SUP, cycling, sports and more.
The group has evolved since its inception with the introduction of ‘community chats’ created to ensure inclusivity for women during particular life experiences – at the last count, there were over 50 separate chats.
“I wanted the group to be self-sustaining; for members to create and host events themselves and for women to join those activities.”
“These chats are only accessible to members of WWoW. I started naming the different chats 'bushwalking', 'surfing', and 'camping'. Eventually, I wanted the group to be more accessible to a wider demographic of women and included chats such as 'book club', 'board games', and 'kid-friendly activities'. I then began to think how amazing it would be to create chats for specific demographics such as women with ADHD, women going through peri/menopause, LGBTQI+, and the 'spoonies' chat,” says Tahlia.
WWoW member Carla had recently joined the group to make new connections and was apprehensive before her first bushwalk after 20 years, as well as recent gender-affirming surgery and a ruptured ACL.
“I loved everything about the trip and the group of women I shared the experience with,” says Carla. “I woke the morning of the trip and went ‘bugger it, I’m going.’ Once I arrived and the rest of the group turned up, I felt really good. I felt as though I was accepted by all.”
A participant of a recent adventure to Gerringong Falls shares her experience as being precisely that. “Everyone helped and encouraged each other as we scrambled down to the falls. The track is quite challenging but the support amongst the group was brilliant. After a quick swim in the icy water, we climbed back out and rode [bikes] to our cars. It was about a 16km ride and a 3.5 km hike”.
Another member, Phuong, speaks of the beauty to be found in the group, “It's unknown who you will meet, and what story you may hear or experience you share, but it's the decision to meet others in real time, be fully present with another human being, who is meeting you exactly where you are, accepting you as you are, loving you regardless of whatever stuff you carry,” she says.
“It's a sisterhood of reassurance that speaks to your feminine spirit, that leads you back to nature, and the outdoors and reminds us to be slow, present, connected, and honest with ourselves and each other.”
Phuong joined the group earlier this year and has since facilitated an event, “I followed the group and its posts and conversations first to get an idea of the women and topics, and everyone was always so positive, encouraging, and authentic about who they were and why they joined the group. I found that refreshing for a Facebook group,” she said.
“I then went along to a few activities, met some others, offered lifts, and had great chats with such a great variety of women, all with incredibly inspiring stories of resilience and bravery, and before I knew it, I was hosting an event of my own.”
Tahlia says she has had plenty of positive feedback and hopes for it to continue to grow. “I've had many women tell me how beneficial the group has been in making new like-minded friends. I hope this group continues to provide a space for women to connect,” she says.
“I wanted the group to be self-sustaining; for members to create and host events themselves and for women to join those activities,” Tahlia continues.
This community exudes warmth and welcome, reflecting the shared qualities of those who now call the Illawarra their home and those who came before, Tahlia urges all members to consider the custodians of this land we now call home, “I encourage all Wild Women within this group to think about the land on which you adventure on. To say a little thanks to the mountains, trees, ocean, and breeze when you step outside. Thank the Indigenous people of the land for looking after Country for more than 60,000 years. A Country that is sacred to all of us in the group.”
