24 year old Tahlia Russell is doing things many of us could only dream about. Not only has she completed a Bachelor of Science, worked as an environmental officer, backpacked around Central America and moved to Canada for a couple of years, she also founded Wild Women of Wollongong, a group encouraging women of all ages to step out of their comfort zone and try something new. Turns out a ‘wild woman’ might not be what you think it is.
Growing up on Dharawal Country, Tahlia had always felt a deep connection to the land and threw herself into all the ways she could connect with nature: camping, hiking, rock climbing, surfing and skiing. However she soon found that adventuring was no longer enough. Tahlia wanted to help others reconnect with the world around them and with themselves.
She said, “I have always wanted to create a space for women to come together and feel safe and connected with each other and nature since I was a child.”
Just over 12 months ago, Tahlia stepped out of her own comfort zone and created the group which now has nearly 8000 members and has organised over 300 events. At the time she excitedly wrote in her journal, “I’ve started Wild Women of Wollongong!!!… I’ve literally created an open, safe, imaginative space of energy for women to meet other women, explore and create…I’m so proud of myself.”
But what exactly is a ‘wild woman’ and does it involve making your own fire and living off the land? Asking for a friend of course. “There is no definition of what it is to be a wild woman… Every person has their own definition of wild depending on their abilities whether that be physical or mental. Being wild could mean being brave enough to hop online and join a discussion within the group or it could mean doing a 30 day hike through the desert,” Tahlia said.
Full disclosure, I’m a member or more accurately, I’m a lurker having not yet taken the plunge and joined an activity. One of my friends Melissa goes to one of the crafting groups and has organised a motorbike ride, just to give you an idea of how all encompassing the definition of wild is. Add in snorkelling, book club, wild swimming, boardgames camping, yoga, snow sports and rock climbing (to name a few) and there’s pretty much something for everyone.
Tahlia, who is running this group from Canada with the help of Teala Stephens, has some advice for those who might feel a little nervous joining in. “Trying something new, talking to new people, being in new environments will always make you feel nervous or scared or vulnerable. However, it is when you do hard things that you become the best and most wild version of yourself. Wild Women of Wollongong is a safe space for you to be you.”
To unleash your wild side, head to Wild Women of Wollongong Facebook page for events