Strong Women Talking takes support into community with new mobile education van

First Nations-led organisation Strong Women Talking has launched a new mobile education van to expand its outreach across Queensland, bringing its programs directly to First Nations communities.

The Strong Women Talking mobile van will be used to deliver education and awareness sessions focused on domestic and financial abuse, and economic empowerment, in a way that is trauma informed and culturally grounded. The bespoke mobile van features beautifully designed features along with Strong Women Talking’s branding on the exterior and is equipped with resources and facilities to support conversations about financial abuse.  

This project was supported through CommBank Next Chapter Innovation, which provides selected organisations with grants of up to $200,000, alongside non-financial support including executive mentoring and strategic guidance. This program is helping to address financial abuse in First Nations communities and forms a commitment in CommBank’s FY26-28 Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan.

Launching during Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, the Queensland initiative aims to make support and education more accessible, particularly in communities where services can be harder to reach.

Founder and CEO Sono Weatherall, a Butchulla and Garrawa woman, established Strong Women Talking to support First Nations women impacted by domestic and family violence. Its model brings together elders, aunties and peer support to create culturally safe spaces where women can connect, learn and rebuild connection to culture, community and identity.

Sono Weatherall, CEO and founder of Strong Women Talking, said: “The mobile van will help extend our reach and meet women where they are. It’s about taking support and education into community in a way that feels safe and culturally grounded. For many women, it starts with being able to have a yarn. This will help us reach more women and communities and continue building that connection.”

Angela MacMillan, CommBank Group Customer Advocate, said: “This innovative project reflects the importance of locally led, culturally centred support. Strong Women Talking is a strong example of a community-led approach shaped by the needs of First Nations women and families. Through CommBank Next Chapter Innovation, we’re proud to support the work of Strong Women Talking to help extend their reach into more communities. Access to safe, local support can play an important role in financial abuse recovery.”

Throughout 2026 CommBank continues to work with its other Next Chapter Innovation partners, Council of Aboriginal Services Western Australia, Mudgin-gal Aboriginal Corporation and Mookai Rosie-Bi-Bayan.

In the coming months, Strong Women Talking’s mobile van will visit various local communities in Brisbane before travelling to regional areas in Queensland later this year:

• 14 May, May 10.00am to 12.00pm, Nalingu Day Respite Centre, Zillmere
• 21 May, 10.00am - 12.00pm - COOEE Indigenous Family and Community Education Centre, Cleveland
• 22 May, 10.00am to 12.00pm - Gunya Meta, Logan 
• 2 June and 16 June, 10.00am - 12.00pm: Sisters Connect, Hendra  
• 11 June, 10.00am to 12.00pm, Numula Family Safety Response Program, Zillmere
• 12 June 11.00am to 1.00pm – Yarning Circle for Murri Court, Brisbane

Financial abuse is one of the most common forms of domestic and family violence and can have lasting impacts on a person’s independence and financial security. Through CommBank Next Chapter, the bank provides support to people impacted by financial abuse and domestic and family violence, helping them rebuild financial independence.

Anyone worried about their finances because of domestic or family violence or coercive control can contact the Next Chapter Team on 1800 222 387 or visit commbank.com.au/nextchapter for support – even if you don’t bank with us.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au) or 13 YARN (13 92 76 or www.13yarn.org.au).

In an emergency or if you’re not feeling safe, always call 000.