HAGS Collective Inc

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HAGS Collective Inc

The flag’s design consists of equal halves of black and red with a yellow circle in its centre. The top of the flag is black and represents the Aboriginal people. The lower half of the flag is red and depicts the Earth and ochre, a precious resource that carries ceremonial significance. In the centre is the sun, the yellow circle, the constant giver of life. Together, these symbols denote the Aboriginal people’s deep-rooted relationship to the land, bound and sustained by the sun

The Torres Strait Islander flag’s design shows the colours green, black and blue in its backdrop, and in its centre is a white dhari* (a type of dancer’s headdress and a pertinent symbol of the Torres Strait) and a white five-pointed sta

ABN 2631 8366 840 INC # 2500499 DGR STATUS

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we gather, the Yorta Yorta People and pay our deepest respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We recognise that this land was never ceded and remains integral to the continuing culture, heritage, and identity of the Yorta Yorta people. We commit ourselves to walk together in solidarity, learning, respect and reconciliation.

We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples joining us now and into the future.

Our Mission

The H.A.G.S. Collective Inc. is a rural, survivor- and queer-led charity transforming Hope, Art, Growth & Survival into everyday action. We support all women and LGBTQIA+ people affected by domestic and family violence, bigotry, and social isolation especially in small towns where services are scarce and stigma persists.

Our programs create safe, inclusive, trauma-informed spaces to learn, make, repair, and connect. We upcycle and reuse diverting materials from landfill while teaching practical skills, reducing bills through efficiency know-how, and fostering pride and belonging.

From pop-up workshops and tool-share to peer circles and referral pathways, we meet people where they are, across the NSW/VIC border region. We prioritise accessibility (no- or low-cost, transport support where possible, sensory-friendly options) and cultural safety, with deep respect for First Nations communities. H.A.G.S. builds confidence, community networks, and greener livelihoods turning waste into opportunity and isolation into belonging.

🌿 Saint Wilgefortis – The Bearded Saint of Liberation

Saint Wilgefortis (also known as St. Uncumber or St. Liberata) is a legendary female folk saint whose story has resonated deeply with women and gender-diverse people for centuries. According to legend, Wilgefortis was a young woman who took a sacred vow of chastity. When her father arranged a marriage against her will, she prayed for deliverance and miraculously grew a beard overnight. Her suitor, horrified, withdrew his proposal. Enraged by her defiance, her father had her crucified.

Though her story was later revealed to have grown from a misunderstanding of religious art depicting the crucified Christ in a long robe, Wilgefortis became a symbol of resistance against patriarchal control and a protector of women trapped in coercive or abusive relationships. In medieval times, women would pray to her for strength and liberation, even fastening “uncombers” little chains to her statue as offerings, symbolising the unbinding of oppression.

In 1969, the Catholic Church officially removed her from the liturgical calendar, declaring her a “legendary figure.” Yet her story continues to inspire modern communities who value courage, autonomy, and the right to self-determination.

At The H.A.G.S. Collective, we honour Saint Wilgefortis as a folk symbol of resilience, transformation, and defiance a reminder that true sanctity lies not in obedience, but in reclaiming one’s power and freedom.

What we've done

The H.A.G.S. Collective has been busy building community from the ground up.
We’ve gathered a grassroots gardening crew who lend a hand with local gardens, share tools, and swap knowledge about soil care and native planting. Our members have been exploring and documenting native orchid sites around Oaklands and the wider Riverina, helping to celebrate and protect local biodiversity.

At the Oaklands tip, our team carried out a recce to plan a future Reuse and Clothes-Share Hub a space designed to support women and LGBTQIA+ people rebuilding their lives after domestic and family violence. Alongside this, we’ve been preparing grant applications to fund our projects, building partnerships with Council, and growing our volunteer base.

We’ve also hosted casual community gatherings where neighbours, artists, and advocates come together over tea and conversation to share ideas, swap resources, and offer mutual support. Each step, no matter how small, strengthens our vision of a rural community grounded in care, creativity, and sustainability where no one is left behind and everyone has a place to belong.

Garden time

Checking on the growth of the sacred Orchid

night by the fire, celebrating the love, food all made by the beautiful Dani. Thank you

Free fruit and veg stall and a beautiful silver princess

finding old things and art supplies at the opshop

Learning how to use tools and lay a laminate flooring.

HAGS Collective Inc (March 17th 2026 stading by the first peoples as allies in this atrocious show of racisim in the Federation council

Published by Nazy Dada

Today at Federation Council Chambers in Urana, we witnessed something deeply disappointing. In a room filled with community, including a strong and present First Nations voice, a clear outcome was within reach. A community poll showed 78% support for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags to remain. And yet, the decision was not honoured.

Because one councillor chose not to vote, the result was forced into a tie and instead of respecting the overwhelming community support, the matter has been tabled again.

This issue has already sat on the table for months. It also reflects a move backwards to pre 2017, before the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags were present in the chambers, with discussion suggesting a return to those earlier settings before moving forward. Let’s be clear: This is not just about a flag.

This is about respect, recognition, and listening to community, especially First Nations voices.

When the community speaks this clearly, delaying action is not neutrality, it is harm.

Following the vote, Mayor Cheryl Cook stated that “this is not black and white.” In the context of this decision, and as it was delivered in the chamber, this comment has landed heavily within the community and raised real concern. This decision does not reflect community. It reflects avoidance.

H.A.G.S. stands with community, with truth, and with the First Peoples of this land.

First Nations people. First Nations flag.

We will not stanbd buy and watch First Nations Peoiple be disappeared.

We will be watching what happens next.

#Federationcounciliscorrupt #alwayswasalwayswillbe #CherylCookisacrook #CerylCooksamenamesameshame