HAGS Collective Inc

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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 & Sustainability into everyday action. We support 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.