feature supporting aboriginal women's leadership

The Yas Marina-sponsored Yorga Djenna Bidi program recently celebrated the graduation of its second 2018 cohort during an inspirational ceremony hosted by the Western Australian Aboriginal Leadership Institute.

WA Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs the Honourable Ben Wyatt was among the dignitaries to congratulate the 14 graduates, who comprised of Aboriginal women from as far as Newman and Kellerberrin.

“That now makes 70 women in our alumni that were able to come in and immerse in a program that was culturally appropriate, culturally safe whilst also learning all those other frameworks around leadership and building your confidence.”

Robyn Smith-Walley

WAALI co-chair

partnering with WAALI

We're partnering with the WA Aboriginal Leadership Institute to expand their Women's Leadership program, which empowers participants to strengthen their families and communities through leadership.

transcript available pdf opens in new window

The five-month Yorga Djenna Bidi program pairs professional leadership skills with cultural insight and includes a two-day retreat in Serpentine, where respected Aboriginal elders shared guidance and facilitated cultural reflections.

“To be a leader you don’t have to be an elder or an older person,” said program graduate Brianne Yarran. “As a 20-year-old I kind of sometimes felt like I need to sit back and not speak up or anything but now I know that my voice is just as valued as the next person standing next to me.”

Yas Marina is proud to partner with WAALI in delivering the Yorga Djenna Bidi program, which was designed to overcome Aboriginal disadvantage by building leadership and governance capacities among Aboriginal people.

See how else we’re partnering with the community >