Kimberley Aboriginal Women's Council chief executive Janine Dureau has been announced as the 2025 WA Award recipient of the Australian Awards for Excellence in Women's Leadership.
Announced Monday night by Women & Leadership Australia (WLA), the award celebrates exceptional Australian women who encourage change and make important contributions to advancing equity across all facets of our society.
The Australian Awards for Excellence in Women's Leadership were created by Women & Leadership Australia in 2014 to honour women leaders nominated by the public for their outstanding contribution and lasting impact across business, government, and community in delivering positive outcomes for women, girls or other groups facing disadvantage.
Ms Dureau is a founding member of the Kimberley Aboriginal Women's Council and has held the position of Inaugural Chairperson since its establishment in 2021.
Prior to the KAWC, she was integral in leading campaigns including Stop the Forced Closures of Aboriginal Communities. She was also critical to the establishment of the Kimberley Aboriginal Children in Care Committee which contributed to the review and legislative changes of the Western Australian Children and Community Services Act 2004, and the investment in early intervention strategies to strengthen connection to family, culture and Country for Aboriginal children in care.
In 2023 Ms Dureau was the recipient of the Bill Armstrong AO Human Rights Award.
"Being chosen as the recipient of the Western Australia Award for Excellence in Women's Leadership is both an honour and a celebration of the resilience, strength, and leadership of First Nations women across the Kimberley and beyond," she said after receiving the award.
"This recognition affirms the Kimberley Aboriginal Women's Council's commitment to championing gender equality, cultural preservation, and empowerment.
"It highlights our shared vision of Aboriginal women leading, being heard, and thriving. This award honours our ancestors' legacy and inspires us to continue advocating for a future where our women are empowered, our stories are valued, and our cause embraced."
Women & Leadership Australia general manager Karen Surmon said the award celebrates Ms Dureau's "extraordinary achievements and the significant impact she continues to make in advancing the lives of women, families, and communities across the Kimberley".
"As the driving force behind the Kimberley Aboriginal Women's Council (KAWC), Janine has turned her vision for gender justice and self-determination into a powerful movement that is creating lasting change," she said.
"Janine's leadership has united hundreds of women and girls in advocating for systemic reform, self-determination, and healing. Her initiatives empower women and girls to become resilient leaders shaping their communities. We applaud her advocacy in influencing legislative reforms, developing action plans, and ensuring Aboriginal women's voices lead the way in creating safer, more equitable communities."
Along with Ms Dureau as the WA Award winner, Women & Leadership Australia has also announced the national, state and territory award recipients including:
Dr. Cathy Foley AO PSM (NATIONAL), Australia's Former Chief Scientist; Heidi Yates (ACT) Change Leader, Strategist, Human Rights Lawyer; Linda Burney MP (NSW), Member for Barton; Karan Hayward GAICD (NT), CEO of Papulu Apparr-Kari Aboriginal Corporation; Anja Christoffersen (QLD), Disability Advocate and Social Entrepreneur; CEO of the Women with Disabilities Entrepreneur Network (WDEN); Dr. Manasi Murthy Mittinty (SA), Senior Lecturer; Speaker & Author; Founder CHERISH; Associate Professor Justine Shaw (TAS), Founder of Homeward Bound; Conservation Scientist & Advocate for equity in STEM; and Suzie Betts (VIC) Founder of Boob Armour.
"To drive meaningful change toward equity and inclusion in our society, we need to listen to, learn from, and celebrate those leading the way," Ms Surmon said.
The Australian Awards for Excellence in Women's Leadership highlights the exceptional work of women and gender-diverse leaders who are achieving positive change across our community. By shining a spotlight on their accomplishments, we inspire others and accelerate progress towards equity for all."
Previous Award recipients have included The Hon. Julia Gillard AC, Christine Holgate, Sam Kerr, Magda Szubanski, Janine Allis, Prof Dr Marcia Langton, Rochelle Courtenay, and The Hon. Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO.
Ms Dureau will accept her award at the Australian Women's Leadership Symposium in Boorloo/Perth on June 26.
