The women we work with are not only exceptional artists, but also powerful change-makers in their communities. This year, our amazing Arts Officer, Flick Chafer-Smith, launched Tiddas Group— a deadly group open to all women in our program. The group meets monthly to yarn, learn, share, and create together. If you’re a woman artist in our program, we’d love for you to join us at our next gatherings, held from 2–4pm on 17 March, 14 April, and 12 May at The Torch, 146 Elgin Street, Carlton. Get in touch with Flick, on 03 9042 1236 to learn more.
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Celebrating First Nations Women | International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is an important day to not only celebrate the remarkable women who inspire us daily—whether they’re artists in our program, Elders, Aunties, mothers, sisters, daughters, or friends—it is also a time to stand together in the fight for gender equity and justice. This year’s theme ‘Accelerate Action’ urges us to push forward, break barriers, and create real change—because justice and equity can’t wait.

The statistics are stark: In 2024, First Nations women made up 46.77% of the female population in prison despite representing only 3.8% of the total population of women in Australia. According to the Australian Human Rights Commission, First Nations women are the fastest growing cohort of Australians in prison and are over 5 times more likely to be charged for minor, non-violent offences and receive harsher sentences than non-Indigenous women and are 15.7 times more likely than non-Indigenous women to be held in custody while awaiting trial. This is also higher than the rate experienced by First Nations men. The prejudice and systemic disadvantage faced by First Nations women is ‘rooted in a specific combination of gendered and racist assumptions’ (Closing the Gap, Commonwealth Annual Report 2024 and Implementation Plan 2025, p.53).

At The Torch, we’re committed to Accelerating Action by empowering First Nations women through economic independence, cultural connection, and creative opportunities. Through the sale and licensing of artwork, we create pathways for women to develop their artistic and professional careers, build confidence, and strengthen their connection to culture and community.

The women we work with are not only exceptional artists, but also powerful change-makers in their communities. This year, our amazing Arts Officer, Flick Chafer-Smith, launched Tiddas Group— a deadly group open to all women in our program. The group meets monthly to yarn, learn, share, and create together. If you’re a woman artist in our program, we’d love for you to join us at our next gatherings, held from 2–4pm on 17 March, 14 April, and 12 May at The Torch, 146 Elgin Street, Carlton. Get in touch with Flick, on 03 9042 1236 to learn more.

Invitation to Tiddas Group – for Monday 17 March, 2–4pm at The Torch

Today and everyday, we invite you to show your support for First Nations women by purchasing or licensing an artwork. View three deadly artworks and their accompanying stories below and explore the full collection of art by women at The Torch here!

A colorful painting featuring various leaves and organic shapes in vibrant greens, purples, and blues on a white background.
Rokett, Yorta Yorta/Gunaikurnai peoples, Beauty of Nature, acrylic on canvas, 75 x 60 cm. Courtesy of the artist.

“This story represents my mother, as she would always paint leaves. I believe we need our trees as a strength. To be able to breathe and sit back in nature, we must take the peace that leaves and branches offer, as it grows and falls in life, which creates wisdom.”
– Rokett, Yorta Yorta/Gunaikurnai peoples

A vibrant artwork featuring a bold, red grid against a colorful, abstract background with intersecting lines and geometric patterns.
Heather Shawe, Wiradjuri people, Empty Windows, acrylic on canvas, 62 x 77 cm. Courtesy of the artist

“All my life I have looked in families windows, full of life, a life I wasn’t welcome to. A life of empty windows.”
– Heather Shawe, Wiradjuri people

This artwork features a row of painted feathers, featuring vibrant patterns in white, brown, green, and purple against a plain background.
D.Kerr, Yorta Yorta people, Colourful Freedom 2024, mixed media. Courtesy of the artist.

“These feathers represent my journey to freedom and the beautiful life I am going to live.”
– D.Kerr, Yorta Yorta people