28/08/2026
The Kulintja Kutju Leadership Program participants have just returned from an incredible Interstate Learning Journey through Perth and the West Kimberley. It was a week of learning, facing new challenges, building connection, cultural exchange and time spent with some remarkable leaders, organisations and communities.
In Perth we were hosted at Parliament House by Ms Divina D'Anna MLA, Member for Kimberley and Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier. We toured Parliament, attended Question Time, and heard directly from Divina about her journey into public life and what it means to represent the Kimberley.
We had the opportunity to meet with Premier Hon Roger Cook MLA, Hon Don Punch MLA (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs), Ms Ali Kent MLA (Member for Kalgoorlie), Hon Amber-Jade Sanderson MLA.
We also connected with senior leaders from the Department of Social Services, NIAA and South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, and took part in Community Advocacy training with Social Reinvestment WA, a chance to see government, policy and advocacy up close.
From Perth we flew to Broome and then travelled north to the Dampier Peninsula for the Strong Futures Leadership Camp, co-hosted with West Kimberley Futures and Woombooriny Amboon Angarriiya Partnership Initiative (WAAPI). This part of the journey was particularly special.
Participants travelled to Beagle Bay and onto Ardyaloon, learnt about local history and culture, camped out on Country and took part in cultural activities including fishing and hunting on nearby islands with their Traditional Owners. We also heard from local leaders about Ardyaloon's history and community leadership, and took time throughout the camp to reflect on what we were learning.
Importantly, the camp brought NPY Lands participants together with young leaders from the West Kimberley and East Kimberley Empowered Communities regions providing the opportunity to build relationships with other young Aboriginal leaders, hear about the challenges and opportunities in their communities, share their own experiences from the NPY region. Our final night in Ardyaloon saw over 100 community members come together to celebrate with a traditional seafood banquet and an ilma (cultural performance) by the Bardi dancers.
A huge thank you to everyone who welcomed us, shared their time and knowledge, opened their doors and made this journey possible. We are especially grateful to West Kimberley Futures and WAAPI for the work that went into creating the Strong Futures Leadership Camp. Thank you to the Elders, Traditional Owners and community members in Beagle Bay and Ardyaloon who welcomed us, spent time with our group and shared their knowledge, stories and culture. Thank you also to the Aarli Ngan Crew for taking our group out on the water and giving participants the chance to spend the day on Country learning from you, and to Ingarlgalandij, Ardyaloon KRCIC, the Bardi Store, Ardyaloon Inc, KRCIC, BBFIC, Beagle Bay Store, Beagle Bay Parish and to everyone else who supported the camp along the way. Thank you also to NG Media, and to Daniel who travelled with us to document the journey, capturing the stories, moments and connections from the week. The Strong Futures Leadership Camp was delivered entirely through Aboriginal organisations and services, something we are very proud to have been part of.
Thank you to Ms Divina D’Anna MLA for hosting us at Parliament House and giving us the opportunity to experience Parliament. Thank you also to the Indigenous Desert Alliance for hosting our Community Advocacy workshop and providing a space for our group to come together, learn and build our advocacy skills.
And finally, thank you to the Workshop 3 participants. This journey meant travelling a long way from home, stepping into new spaces, and bringing your own knowledge and leadership into every part of the week. We came home with new relationships, new ideas and a lot to reflect on. See you all in October for Workshop 4!
