Western Australian Aboriginal Leadership Institute

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Western Australian Aboriginal Leadership Institute

Inspiring Aboriginal people to lead, grow, and strengthen our community. Join us as we empower the next generation of leaders.

At WAALI, we believe leadership is rooted in culture, connection, and the journeys we take together.

29/09/2026

On 24 and 25 September, MDK proudly delivered the fourth module of the program, Birak (Childhood).

Facilitated by Malcolm and Gray, the two-day module explored the theme of self, creating space for reflection, growth, and connection. Guided by Elders who generously shared their cultural knowledge and lived experiences, participants gained valuable insights throughout the program.

We were also honoured to welcome Ben Chambers and Uncle Anthony Kickett, whose authentic stories and perspectives inspired the group, leaving the men both empowered and humbled.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this module such a meaningful experience.

15/09/2026

Calling our next generation of deadly leaders! 📣

WAALIs Emerging Leaders program is designed to support young Aboriginal people to discover their strengths , build confidence, develop leadership skills and connect with other young people on their own leadership journeys.

Whether you want to make a difference in your community, connect with likeminded young adults in new spaces or just challenge yourself to try something new, we want to hear from you. Know someone aged 18-25 that who would thrive in the Emerging Leaders program? Tag them below or share this post with them 😊

Applications close 26th October 2026. Scan the QR code on the flyer or hit the link to learn more and apply: https://waali.org.au/programs/emerging-leaders/

07/09/2026

🎓 WAALI Cohort 1 Graduation Ceremony 2026 🎓

In July we proudly celebrated the graduation of participants from our Yorga Djenna Bidi Women's Program and Maaman Djenna Koorl Men's Program, marking the completion of an important chapter in their leadership, personal growth, and cultural learning journeys with WAALI.

The ceremony was made especially meaningful as graduates shared heartfelt reflections and personal stories, speaking to the positive impact the programs have had on their lives, families, communities, and future aspirations. Their courage, commitment, and achievements were truly inspiring.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our gracious host, The Honourable Chris Dawson, and acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our dedicated program facilitators, the WAALI Circle of Elders, WAALI staff, sponsors, and the families and friends who have supported our graduates every step of the way.

A special and deeply respectful farewell is extended to our esteemed WAALI Board members, Dr Richard Walley OAM, WAALI Director, and Gary Smith, WAALI Treasurer. We thank them for their outstanding service, leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to WAALI. Their guidance, wisdom, and contributions have helped shape and strengthen our organisation, leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to benefit future generations. We wish them both every success and happiness in their future endeavours.

Congratulations to all graduates. We are honoured to have been part of your journey and look forward to seeing the positive difference you will continue to make within your families, communities, and beyond.

Edit- Please note this event has been reposted due to the original post being removed by Meta. WAALI apologises for any confusion this may cause.

01/09/2026

Today we're celebrating Terri Sheehan, one of our inspiring 2022 Yorga Djenna Bidi program alumni🎉

Terri joined the program seeking personal and professional growth, particularly in leadership. What she discovered was far more than leadership frameworks and strategies. Through cultural learning, conversations with Elders and shared experiences with other Aboriginal women, she gained a deeper understanding that leadership doesn't have to fit a single mould.

Her experience reinforced the value of leading through listening, supporting others and fostering genuine connection, lessons she now carries into her work and community past the program.

Thank you, Terri, for generously sharing your reflections and continuing to lead in a way that is true to yourself!

25/08/2026

What an incredible evening at our first Emerging Leaders Alumni Event!🎉
It was fantastic to see such a strong turnout, bringing together Emerging Leaders Alumni, potential future Emerging program Leaders participants, families and respected WAALI Elders for an evening filled with laughter, networking, friendly competition, and connection across generations.

From additional bonus rounds and Minute to Win It challenges to the spirited Eagles vs Dockers balloon relay, everyone embraced the fun and got involved. The competition came right down to the wire, with two teams tied on points and the ultimate winner decided by a nail-biting game of Rock, Paper, Scissors. Congratulations to the Karaa Table for taking home the victory!🦀🏆

A huge thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the event such a success. We look forward to seeing even more alumni join us at our next gathering. Stay connected, spread the word, and we hope to see you there!

21/08/2026

We honour and remember a very special woman, Aunty Millie Penny.💐

Aunty Millie was a cherished part of our circle of Elders and a beautiful supporter of WAALI for many years. She generously shared her wisdom, knowledge and lived experience with us, always bringing a warmth and strength that made a difference.

Aunty Millie was a true champion for Aboriginal people. She dedicated so much of her life to supporting Noongar families, strengthening our community and sharing, protecting and maintaining our culture for generations to come.

Her guidance, stories, strength and generosity touched the lives of so many. She reminded us of the importance of knowing who we are, where we come from, and the responsibility we carry to the next generation.

We are incredibly grateful for the love, wisdom and support she gave to WAALI and to our women and community. Her contribution will remain part of our story and her legacy will live on through the people she supported, the knowledge she shared and the culture she worked so hard to uphold.

We send our love to the family and loved ones whose hearts are hurting, she was a true Noongar matriarch.

Rest peacefully, Aunty Millie. 🩷

Thank you for walking alongside us, for believing in our women, and for sharing your wisdom with us.

You will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love and deep respect.💐

12/08/2026

At WAALI, we love hearing from our alumni and sharing their reflections on the impact of the program. This graduate from 2018 has beautifully captured their experience and the growth they have achieved since completing the program. We hope all our participants can look back on their leadership journey and recognise the moments that shaped them, challenged them, and inspired undeniable growth.

10/08/2026

The WAALI Yorga Djenna Bidi Program Retreat has now concluded for our second cohort for 2026. The retreat runs across 3 days on Noongar Boodjar and is an opportunity for our new Yorga Djenna Bidi participants to connect and bond during the beginning of their leadership journey with us. Across the three days the women did a number of activities and listened to the WAALI elders for an immersive and culturally rich experience together.

We would love to extend our highest gratitude to elders Nan Liz, Nan Viv, Aunty Shirley Thorne, Aunty Marie Walley, Aunty Kathy Pickett and Aunty Kaye Walley who made the experience incredibly special and created a beautiful foundation for the program. This is always an incredibly special time, to watch our participants go from almost strangers at orientation to creating sisterhood at retreat is an incredible privilege for our team.

Watch this space for more of our upcoming Yorga Djenna Bidi program stories.

27/07/2026

On Wednesday WAALI hosted its first Alumni Event, bringing together WAALI alumni from our past program cohorts to reconnect, yarn, and share their experiences since completing the programs.

The evening was a wonderful opportunity for WAALI alumni to catch up with one another, enjoy some delicious nibbles, capture memories in the photo booth, and take part in meaningful conversations regarding the future impact of alumni within WAALI.

We were honoured to be welcomed by Uncle Des Blurton, who delivered a beautiful Welcome and guests also heard from an inspiring panel featuring Uncle Des Blurton, WAALI staff and Alumni member Sharna Walley and alumni members Elisha Jacobs-Smith, Lorraine Pryor, and Jayde Conway. Their reflections on their WAALI journeys and life beyond the program provided valuable insights and sparked engaging discussions throughout the evening.

It was fantastic to see so many alumni reconnecting and strengthening the WAALI community.

This is just the beginning, with more WAALI Alumni Events planned for the future. Be sure to stay tuned for upcoming announcements, and if you are interested in being involved in future alumni activities, please get in touch with the WAALI team (Last slide)

Photography- Trevor Walley
Photobooth vendor - Oh My Balloon Bar

Address

Opening Hours

Monday	09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 17:00
Thursday	09:00 - 17:00
Friday	09:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+61438239009

Website

http://www.waali.org.au/

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