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The Awakening Journey

We are a First Nations-owned business committed to supporting and empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and families. Our foundation is built on the belief that every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person deserves access to culturally relevant resources that support their well-being, from pregnancy and child development to overall family health. We exist to address the gap in services that are both culturally appropriate and tailored to the unique needs of our communities. By providing resources that honour our traditions while addressing modern challenges, we strive to strengthen families, promote self-determination, and preserve our cultural heritage for future generations. Our mission is to uplift and empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, ensuring their voices are heard, and their needs are met with respect, care, and understanding.

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Darinka Ondrovcik

Aboriginal Health Practitioner & Endorsed Enrolled Nurse​

The Founder and Creator of The Awakening Journey

Darinka Ondrovcik is a proud Aboriginal woman from the Kamilaroi tribe, born and raised on Wiradjuri Country in Dubbo, NSW. Her heritage is deeply rooted in her connection to the Angledool Mission on the NSW/QLD border, as well as Czechoslovakian and Scottish ancestry, reflecting a rich and diverse cultural background. With over 10 years of experience as an Aboriginal Health Practitioner and Endorsed Enrolled Nurse, Darinka has worked across both hospital and community health settings, developing a deep understanding of the health challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Her career began at Dubbo Hospital, where she gained experience in various wards, before transitioning her focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. Her expertise includes Maternal and Child Health, health promotion, education, and providing holistic support to families. Darinka's mission is to reduce health disparities and close the gap by advocating for culturally safe, individualised care that supports and empowers families to achieve better health outcomes. She is deeply committed to addressing the unique health needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, particularly in rural and remote areas, by promoting early detection, chronic condition management, and better access to healthcare services. Darinka's work is centered on ensuring that each individual and family receives the care they deserve, grounded in respect for their culture and tailored to their specific needs.

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Our Story

Mission & Vision

I am deeply invested in this business because of my 10+ years of experience working closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Over the years, I’ve built strong connections and developed a passion for empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and families. My commitment to improving their well-being is driven by a personal understanding of the unique challenges they face, particularly when it comes to accessing culturally relevant resources.

This business is my way of addressing those gaps and offering meaningful support. I believe in the power of culture, community, and self-determination, and I’m dedicated to ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families have the tools and resources they need to thrive. Our vision is to create a strong, sustainable future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and families. We aim to provide resources that support pregnancy, child development, and overall family well-being, empowering communities with culturally relevant education and services that promote health, resilience, and self-determination.

Quality Commitment

We are committed to delivering high-quality products and services that reflect the cultural values and needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. Each resource and offering is carefully designed to be both culturally relevant and respectful, ensuring that it provides meaningful support to the communities we serve. We believe in the importance of offering tools that foster growth, resilience, and empowerment, all while upholding the integrity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

Looking Ahead

As we grow, we aspire to expand our reach, ensuring more women and families have access to tools that support their unique needs. We also seek to collaborate with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, organisations, and communities to amplify our impact. By preserving traditions while fostering growth and opportunities for future generations, we hope to create a legacy of empowerment, cultural pride, and strengthened communities, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and needs are at the forefront of societal change.

Acknowledgement of Country

At The Awakening Journey, we respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work, live, and grow. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We honour the enduring strength, resilience, and rich cultural heritage of First Nations peoples, and we recognise their ongoing connection to land, waters, skies, and community. As a First Nations-owned business, The Awakening Journey is committed to walking together in truth, respect, and unity—supporting strong futures grounded in culture, healing, and self-determination.

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