A group of Indigenous public servants have completed leadership training through the Western Australian Aboriginal Leadership Institute (WAALI), with the aim of driving change in their communities and workplaces.
Aaron Jackson, Renae Walley, Linda James, Julie Burgoyne and Nadine Hansen took part in WAALI programs designed to strengthen leadership grounded in culture, identity and community values.
WAALI is a not-for-profit organisation that supports Aboriginal leadership development across sectors in Western Australia. Its programs focus on building confidence, cultural identity and pathways for Aboriginal leaders to influence systems change.
Participants from WA's Department of Communities and the Department of Housing and Works recently graduated from WAALI's Yorga Djenna Bidi Aboriginal Women's Leadership and Maaman Djenna Koorl Men's Leadership programs.
Balardong, Yuet and Whadjuk woman Renae Walley, Senior Policy Officer at the Department of Housing and Works on the Remote Communities Fund, said the Yorga Djenna Bidi program helped her lead with confidence and cultural integrity.
"My hope is to create meaningful impact, uphold cultural integrity ensuring Aboriginal knowledge, traditions, and self-determination shape housing solutions," Ms Walley said.
"I hope to amplify Aboriginal voices and drive policy reform and create pathways for community led development, inclusive of transforming systems elevating Aboriginal perspectives and ensuring that housing initiatives reflect the continuation of our cultural and lived experiences."
She notes listening to the experiences of others in the program had strengthened her resolve.
"Leadership to me means walking and talking with purpose and responsibility and amplifying other voices by making room for Aboriginal voices on all levels - with community, our peers and colleagues, youth and elderly," Ms Walley said.
"Leadership means having hard conversations, around complex issues and turning those conversations into meaningful and long-term generational change.
"It's also remembering where you came from and staying humble and keeping my family and cultural responsibilities at the centre."
Wadandi Ballardong Noongar man man Aaron Jackson is working as a Senior Aboriginal Project Officer with Communities in the Mirrabooka district and coordinates the Aboriginal Family Led Decision Making project.
The program prompted Mr Jackson to reflect on his purpose and leadership approach.
"Leadership, especially in the context of my role, means carrying yourself with respect and integrity, and never straying away from your personal values," he said.
"Being able to provide a cultural lens and oversight into a program that I believe can really improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is a space I do not take for granted.
"WAALI challenged me to recognise my values and critically reflect on what I believe to be my purpose in life. It was definitely confronting at times but also offered reassurance that I am exactly where I believe I need (and want) to be."
Mr Jackson encourages others to apply.
"I would encourage those considering this program to take the leap, and 'get comfortable being uncomfortable', as the learning I have gotten from stepping out of my comfort zone has been extremely valuable," he said.
"You only get out what you put in, so give it all you have!"
Applications for future WAALI programs can be made by visiting the WAALI website.
