Now in its tenth year, Pathways to Politics for Women has empowered 39 First Nations women with the skills, networks and confidence to step into political leadership and bring their voices to decision-making tables across the country.
Among the program's success stories is Councillor Sophie Bougoure, who now serves on the Western Downs Regional Council in Queensland.
Cr. Bougoure is a descendent of Kitty Warmuli, who married the brother of renowned Darug Nation Traditional Owner, Maria Lock. In the 1900s, Cr. Bougoure's Indigenous family moved from Gamilaroi Country in NSW to the Western Downs region of Queensland.
Her grandfather was the chief executive and mayor of Tara Shire Council, and politics was a frequent topic of conversation when she was growing up, but the spark that ignited Cr. Bougoure's political journey came in 2021, when she was approached by community members to save an aged care centre in Tara from closure.
Her conviction that every elder should have the right to "age in place" motivated her to work with local business and political leaders to save the centre. To this day, the centre is still operating.
It was the power of the people to save the centre that made Cr. Bougoure realise the importance of community voices. Around this time, her local MP encouraged her to apply for Pathways to Politics.
The program, an initiative of the Trawalla Foundation, Women's Leadership Institute Australia and the University of Melbourne, is delivered in partnership with leading universities across Australia, including at QUT, where Cr. Bougoure completed the program. It provides comprehensive, non-partisan political training, mentorship and a network of support to women of all backgrounds – at no cost to participants.
Shortly after completing the program, she was contacted by business owners in Tara asking her to be their candidate for the Queensland local government elections in 2024.
"When opportunity comes knocking, you may not always be prepared, but just be open minded," she said.
Cr. Bougoure encouraged all women considering a career in politics to apply for the Pathways to Politics program, saying her experience taught her to "be honest and upfront with the community, and don't waiver from your values".
She is proud to now represent the Western Downs region, which has an Indigenous population of 7.6 per cent. She believes that engaging with Aboriginal community groups and organisations across the region is vital for improving the council's relationships with First Nations communities and businesses.
Applications for the 2025 program are open now until 1 May 2025 and can be made online at pathwaystopolitics.org.au.
