About us

Vision Statement

BLAQ Diamond’s Women Empowerment provides Culturally appropriate connected solutions to enable our Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Women reach their full potential!

Our mission

Increased economic empowerment & equality for first nations women by 2030

BLAQ DIAMOND’s Women Empowerment’s Mission 2030 is to create unlimited opportunities for First Nations Women to improve their overall Health and Wellbeing Lifestyle by providing educational support and tools to increase their chances of competing on equal standing to their Non-Indigenous counterparts across the Nation.

Meet the Team

Melisa Melisa Drummond-Anderson

Melisa Drummond - Anderson

Founder & Managing Director of BLAQ DIAMONDS Women Empowerment
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Do you have what it takes to take on this exciting role servicing and supporting our First Nations Women around the Country?

Looking to fill this space soon

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About the founder

Melisa Drummond-Anderson

After experiencing and surviving over 18 years of Family and Domestic Violence Relationships as well as witnessing many occasions where our Women had suffered at the hands of their abusive Partners, I felt a strong burning desire to step up and do something to support our Women who have lost their voice to speak up and out about what they have been experiencing themselves.

The idea of a concept of BLAQ DIAMONDS Women Empowerment was born in Cairns in 2015 whilst I was experiencing Domestic Violence, then after escaping that tumultuous, toxic environment, I then accepted a position back with Department of Human Services – Centrelink in Townsville to start over again, but that was short lived due to still reeling the impacts and trauma of DV, I then made the brave decision to take start this new journey of realising my Business Idea – BLAQ DIAMONDS Women Empowerment was born and established as a Sole Trader business in Townsville in 2017.  I needed this to also support my own healing.

We are a ‘NEXT STEPS’ Service.  Using a ‘SOLUTIONS-ORIENTED’ Approach –  Finding sustainable, long lasting outcomes to their situations, encourage them to build up enough confidence to overcome and rise above their circumstances. Given the right support, guidance and tools. Our Women will realise their full potential by allowing themselves to learn more and to welcome bigger and better opportunities to improve their overall lifestyles. 

Melisa's career highlights

Early 1990’s, Started my Career in the Australian Public Service – Traineeship with CES (Commonwealth Employment Services, then working across many different agencies:

  • ATSIC (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Commission) in Townsville (Gurrumbilbarra)
  • DEEWR (Department of Education, Employment & Workplace Relations)
  • DPI
  • DATSIP
  • NT Govt
  • Local Government
  • Private Businesses
  • Volunteering
  • Community Organisations & Non-For-Profit with ICV (Indigenous Community Volunteers)
  • Brisbane (Meanjin) & Cairns as Community Development Officer, servicing Cairns (Gimuy), Yarrabah, NPA – Bamaga, New Mapoon, Seisia, Umajico, & Injinoo & TSI Regions (Zenadh Kes).

Qualifications

  • Certificate IV in Life Coaching (Current - 2021)

  • MURRA Indigenous Business Program Alumni, University of Melbourne (2019)

  • Certificate IV in Business Governance, Darwin (2018)

  • Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre Alumni, Sydney (2017)

  • Diploma of Management, Darwin Human Resource Academy (2008)

  • Certificate IV, III, II in Community Sport & Recreation, TAFE, Townsville & Cairns (2006-2008)

  • Certificate IV in Government (Procurement & Contracting), DEWR, Brisbane (2003).

Achievements

20/08/2020

BDWE interviewed by Business in Heels International

Recognised as the new change makers in the Indigenous Women’s Empowerment Space in Townsville.  Interviewed and invited to become Indigenous Ambassadors for Business in Heels.

25/08/2018

Townsville Bulletin Newspaper Article

BDWE was invited to be interviewed by Townsville Bulletin to showcase and highlight ‘Our Story’ as Cover Story in the Townsville Eye

05/08/2018

BDWE Collaboration with RHD Classics & Supplies - 'Leather 'n' Lace Motorbike Ride

BDWE collaborated with the amazing Sharine ‘Spanner’ Milne, the only Indigenous Female-Led Owner Operator Motorbike Mechanic in Townsville.  Hosted the Leather ‘n’ Lace Motorbike Ride for our Blaq Diamonds Ladies with RHD’s Motorbike crew.

Visit RHD’s Website:  https://www.rhdclassic.com.au/

26/07/2018

Guest Speakers at Thuringowa State High School - STARS Foundation - NAIDOC - 'Because of Her, We Can

BDWE were invited as Guest Speakers to talk to the STARS Foundation Young Female Students about ‘Our Story’ and the journey so far and how we have overcome the challenges of life.

25/07/2018

Guest Speaker Engagement at Ryan Catholic College NAIDOC Celebrations

Guest Speakers at Ryan Catholic College NAIDOC Celebrations – spoke about the story behind BDWE. Presented to students from Prep – Year 12, Elders, Teachers, Government representatives and community members.

10 - 13 July 2018

National NAIDOC Women's Conference, 'Because of Her, We Can', Sydney NSW

BDWE attended the inaugural National NAIDOC Women’s Conference celebrating ‘Because of Her, We Can!’ in Sydney NSW.  Enjoyed a powerful, inspiring and memorable jam packed two full days listening, learning, networking with many other First Nations Women from around the country.  Also attended the IBA NAIDOC Breakfast.

Associations

supply_nation_registered
Murra - Indigenous Business Master Class Program
SHEEO - Women working on the Word's to-do list

Meet the Team

Melisa Melisa Drummond-Anderson

Melisa Drummond - Anderson

Founder & Managing Director of BLAQ DIAMONDS Women Empowerment
Facebook Twitter Linkedin
Melisa Melisa Drummond-Anderson

Looking to fill this space soon

Do you have what it takes to take on this exciting role servicing and supporting our First Nations Women around the Country?
Melisa Melisa Drummond-Anderson

Looking to fill this space soon

Could this be YOU?

Achievements

Testimonials

What our members say