Governor hosts Western Australian Aboriginal Leadership Institute Graduation

The Governor hosted the graduation of 20 inspirational Aboriginal women who have completed their Yorga Djenna Bidi program with Western Australian Aboriginal Leadership Institute (WAALI).

“Yorga’s genesis sprang from within these walls through the endeavour of my predecessor the Hon Kerry Sanderson AC, Dr Sue Van Leeuwen (who was CEO of Leadership WA at that time), Dr Robyn Smith-Walley, and Dr Rishelle Hume. These women had a shared dream to build a community of strong, skilled Aboriginal women leaders, and even more importantly, they had the tenacity to bring this vision to life.

Congratulations to today’s graduates. You have each completed four modules of leadership development and I am sure you have made many new contacts and friends along the way. I hope that you feel empowered and confident to pursue your aspirations moving into the New Year.”

 You ‘walk forward together’ with the support of the Elders who have guided you, and the outstanding women who founded this organisation.

The Governor

 From the success of Yorga Djenna Bidi, the Western Australian Aboriginal Leadership Institute, or ‘WAALI’, was officially launched here at the House by Kerry Sanderson in February 2018.

The Western Australian Aboriginal Leadership Institute (WAALI) is an independent, for purpose organisation based in Perth, with the aim of inspiring and supporting Aboriginal people to take up leadership opportunities to strengthen their families and communities.

Yorga Djenna Bidi (which is Noongar for: women walking forward together) is the only leadership initiative that brings Aboriginal women together across different backgrounds, ages, occupations, identities, experiences, and education and is one of five key leadership programs offered by WAALI.

Others include:

• Kwopertok Yorga Alumni (Graduates of Yorga Djenna Bidi)
• Maam On-Country Cultural Regeneration Leadership Program (men’s program)
• Elders Knowledge Exchange
• Emerging Aboriginal Leaders Program

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