The Kimberley Aboriginal Women's Council has formally requested a $10 million federal investment over five years to support Aboriginal-led service reform and economic justice across northern Western Australia.
On Wednesday, KAWC chief executive Jodie Bell and director Rhiana Powers met with the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, to present the council's priorities for family safety, service design, and economic empowerment.
In a letter to the Minister, the council outlined a proposal to channel half of the funding - $5 million - into strengthening Aboriginal-led service reform across the Kimberley, with the remaining $5 million supporting Maganda Makers to deliver a Kimberley Aboriginal Women's Economic Justice Roadmap.
Ms Bell said the funding would allow Aboriginal women to lead the design and delivery of solutions that keep families safe and children at home.
"Aboriginal women are the matriarchs of our families and communities. Investing in our leadership is investing in family stability, cultural healing, and the rebuilding of our nation," she said.
The KAWC argues that locally driven reform can transform systems and strengthen communities in the wake of growing social and economic challenges across the region.
Minister McCarthy, who also serves as a senator representing the Northern Territory, was presented with the council's plan during the meeting, which focused on how federal investment could accelerate Aboriginal-led solutions in remote and regional communities.
The council's proposal builds on KAWC's ongoing advocacy for gender equity, lateral love and cultural healing as foundations for stronger, safer families in the Kimberley.
