22/08/2025
Applications Now Open for the Expanded 2025 HORIZON Program
Following the overwhelming success of the inaugural HORIZON Program last year, applications are now open for the expanded 2025 program, which will support 44 women across regional areas in Western Australia and Queensland.
The HORIZON Program provides culturally safe leadership development and entrepreneurship training through a combination of in-person workshops, coaching and mentoring, plus online seminars specifically designed for Indigenous female leaders living and working in regional areas.
The 2025 program will include 2-day intensive workshops in four regional centres:
Western Australia:
• Kalgoorlie: 15-16 September 2025
• Karratha: 18-19 September 2025
Queensland:
• Mackay: 13-14 October 2025
• Sarina: 20-21 October 2025
Apply today: https://lnkd.in/gPHURwbr
Each location will support up to 11 women, with the program valued at $8,500 per person and offered free of charge to those who meet the eligibility criteria.
The program will be led by experienced Aboriginal leaders and expert coaches.
Cedar OAM - Co-Chair of First Nations X, a Nyiyaparli woman who is co-facilitating the West Australian HORIZON 2025 program, has spent over 25 years advocating for Indigenous rights—including representing Australia at the United Nations three times. She sees HORIZON as addressing a critical gap.
"Regional Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander women face unique challenges," Jahna explains. "They're dealing with isolation, limited childcare options, fewer professional development opportunities, and cultural responsibilities that mainstream programs don’t often accommodate. The HORIZON program was designed with these realities in mind."
Kennedy, a proud Waanyi Kalkatungu woman, knows firsthand the power of Indigenous innovation. As founder of Ochre_Sun Group, she's built a business around native Indigenous botanicals whilst serving as Australian Vice-Chair of the International Indigenous Trade and Investment Organisation.
Alana will bring her entrepreneurial experience to the regional Queensland intensive workshops, covering everything from personal branding to raising capital.
"It's not just about teaching business skills," Alana says. "It's about helping women see the leader and entrepreneur that's already within them."
The HORIZON Program is made possible with support from the WA Government's Department of Energy and Economic Diversification New Industries Fund, Local Buying Foundation, Trading Tracks Queenslands, Marabisda Inc., Gold Fields Limited, Mt Burdett Foundation, Goldfields Aboriginal Business Chamberr and other partners committed to Indigenous leadership and business development.
