The Sisterhood Foundation has announced two new Charity Partners – Mura Kosker Sorority and the Darwin Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Shelters Indigenous Corporation (DAIWS) – marking the first time the Foundation has partnered with First Nations Australian owned and operated organisations.
The decision to appoint First Nations Charity Partners was supported by findings from the Women Deserve Better report, produced by the Foundation in partnership with Monash University in 2025. The research highlighted the need for greater focus on health issues linked to social determinants such as family violence and homelessness – challenges disproportionately faced by First Nations women and girls, and those in regional and remote communities. Funding for the two charities will focus on capability-building initiatives such as governance and systems strengthening, culturally grounded healing programs and leadership development.
Sisterhood Foundation Chair and Managing Director of Wesfarmers Health Emily Amos said, “The addition of Mura Kosker Sorority and DAIWS marks an important moment in the Foundation’s evolution and reflects our commitment to improving health and wellbeing outcomes for all women and girls in Australia.
“These partnerships recognise the importance of supporting organisations where solutions are led by communities, rooted in culture and shaped by lived experience. It is a first step towards helping address inequity and supporting better health outcomes for First Nations women and girls, particularly in regional and remote Australia.”
Since its inception in 2011, the Sisterhood Foundation has raised more than $13.7 million as part of its mission to hear, acknowledge and address the unique health issues impacting Australian women and girls. With the addition of Mura Kosker Sorority and DAIWS, the Foundation’s portfolio now includes 10 Charity Partners.
About Mura Kosker Sorority
Founded by women for women, Mura Kosker Sorority advocates for human rights and improves family and kinship wellbeing in the Torres Strait through tailored services and programs.
Their core service areas include integrated programs in family wellbeing and parenting support, domestic and family violence response and prevention, child safety delegated authority and cultural decision making, and leadership, education and women’s empowerment initiatives.
Chair of Mura Kosker Sorority Regina Turner said, “The Sisterhood Foundation’s investment in Mura Kosker Sorority represents far more than a financial contribution – it is a commitment to the wellbeing, safety and empowerment of women and families across the Torres Strait.
“This partnership strengthens our capacity to deliver essential programs that uphold cultural integrity, build family resilience and provide life-changing support to those who rely on our services. This funding enables us to grow and develop our organisation, allowing us to enhance the quality and accessibility of our programs.”
About the Darwin Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Shelters (DAIWS)
DAIWS provides safe and culturally competent services to women and children who are victims/survivors of domestic, family and sexual violence across the Darwin region including the surrounding remote communities of the Northern Territory, and across the Kimberley region of WA.
DAIWS General Manager Regina Bennett said, “We are honoured to be entering this partnership with The Sisterhood Foundation.
“The partnership will strengthen DAIWS relationship with victim survivors of domestic family and sexual violence, not only for the women and children we support today, but for generations to come.
“The investment into culturally appropriate healing programs, leadership and updated client technology systems will be a huge benefit to our service.”