Girls Have Stamina is a free 45 minute empowerment workshop that slows the portrait process, celebrates rural girls and encourages authentic self expression.
Girls Have Stamina is a workshop that gives girls aged 10–12. a chance to slow down, express themselves without judgement, and be seen. It's facilitated by Australian visual artist and photographer Gabi Connole, and it's grown into an established program that schools invite back.
A confidence boost for students & genuinely loved by the girls who take part.
There’s no place too remote for Girls Have Stamina
Established in 2020 we have covered some tracks! No matter how remote your school is we will strive to get there. The program was proudly developed with rural teachers, a psychologist and academic advisors, it has now been delivered to more than 300 girls across rural Australia, Scotland and Ireland.
Meet Gabi
Gabi Connole is an Australian photographer and visual artist who celebrates the beauty of the human spirit. Growing up between Albury, NSW and Alice Springs, NT, she has a strong belief in the uniqueness of rural girls, and it brings her joy to create spaces of authentic expression and celebration.
Check out the video! →
Celebrating and encouraging their authentic self expression
Girls Have Stamina pairs analogue portrait making with hands-on, free-flowing expression, slowing the portrait process downand building self-confidence. Rural girls often face reduced access to mental health support and shrinking creative pathways, all at an age when self-confidence is still taking shape. The workshop pushes back through creative expression, focus, and reflective thinking, and a portrait that lets each girl see herself celebrated!
Free flowing banner making
In response to “What is it like to be a girl in 2026 in your town” the girls create a collective banner and mural artwork. A hands-on act of self-expression, free from judgement as there is no right or wrong answer.
Wilcannia
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Albury
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Tocumwal
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Deniliquin
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Alice Springs
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Ali Curung
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Howlong
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Lahinch
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Kilfenora
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Plockton
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Portree
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Talgarno
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Wilcannia 〰️ Albury 〰️ Tocumwal 〰️ Deniliquin 〰️ Alice Springs 〰️ Ali Curung 〰️ Howlong 〰️ Lahinch 〰️ Kilfenora 〰️ Plockton 〰️ Portree 〰️ Talgarno 〰️
“The Girls have Stamina workshop builds identity, self-worth and reflective practice. The two groups that participated in this program absolutely loved it and they commented that they felt proud when they saw their portraits.”
Analogue Photography
A tactile introduction to the analogue photographic process, we load film into the camera, talk about the science of the photographic process and get a hands on understanding of photographic negatives.
““ I highly recommend this workshop for the way it allows girls to unite, connect as
women, and stand up for who they are, who they want to be, and help them feel like they can become that…”
A Professional Portrait
Every girl has her portrait taken by a professional photographer. A moment of being truly seen and encouraged by the other participants.
“Gabi made each and every girl feel special and listened to. I would highly recommend this workshop.”