The HORIZON Uplifting Regional Women in Leadership Program held their first series of intensive masterclasses recently in Newman and Port Hedland. This groundbreaking program, designed to build culturally safe leadership and entrepreneurial skills, primarily focuses on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women working in the Pilbara.
HORIZON is a collaborative initiative backed by the WA Government, Local Buying Foundation, WA Trading Tracks, Empowering People in Communities, Blak Line Industries, and Blakbone Sistahood. Its objective is to empower Indigenous women, offering them an opportunity to strengthen their leadership and self-determination through a supportive, inclusive platform.
Applications for the Newman and Port Hedland cohorts, which closed on 20 September 2024, saw an oversubscription with 32 applicants vying for 22 funded positions—a testament to the high demand for development programs that reflect the needs of Indigenous women. The program’s Regional Intensive Masterclasses, held from 10-11 October in Newman and 14-15 October in Port Hedland, marked a significant milestone for participants, who benefited from sessions co-facilitated by experienced leaders Jaynaya Winmar and Kylah Morrison on Kariyarra and Nyiyaparli country.
Reflecting on the experience, C-Res Indigenous Business Development Principal Kelly Cooke shared, “Attending the Project X Horizon program was an incredibly uplifting experience. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was a buzz with excitement and inspiration. Surrounded by passionate female leaders eager to learn and grow, I felt a deep sense of community and shared purpose. The workshops were not only informative but also empowering, offering practical tools for personal and professional development. The speakers’ stories of resilience and success resonated with me, fueling my own motivation to pursue my goals with renewed energy. By the end of the program, I left feeling more confident, inspired, and ready to take on new challenges.”
The HORIZON program spans several months, featuring regional workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and online sessions with Indigenous leaders and subject-matter experts. These sessions cover a range of topics critical to leadership, such as culturally safe practices, communication skills, personal branding, innovation, and navigating workplace cultural dynamics. By keeping each cohort small, the program allows for a focused, two-way learning experience that benefits both facilitators and participants.
The 2024 program will culminate with the First Nations Women’s Gathering in Perth on 4 December—a celebratory event dedicated to the resilience and achievements of Indigenous women. Hosted by the Noongar Chamber of Commerce and Industry and First Nations X, the Gathering will welcome guests from around the world, including representatives from Canada, Mexico, and Aotearoa (New Zealand). It will also honour the accomplishments of regional women who have completed the HORIZON program.
The WA Local Buying Foundation is honoured to support this impactful program. The Foundation’s investment in HORIZON aligns with its commitment to fostering empowered and thriving Indigenous communities across Western Australia. By supporting programs that uplift Indigenous voices and nurture leadership, we contribute to a more equitable and inclusive future.
As Kelly Cooke noted, “By investing in the potential of Indigenous women, we’re taking meaningful steps toward a society that values diversity and champions equality in leadership. The positive impact of these women’s contributions will undoubtedly resonate throughout their communities.”
HORIZON’s journey is just beginning, with a strong foundation in place to empower Indigenous women leaders across the Pilbara and beyond.
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Local Buying Foundation Approves Funding for HORIZON Uplifting Indigenous Female Leaders Program
May 1, 2024
The WA Local Buying Foundation are proud to announce funding for FIRST NATIONS X LTD under the Indigenous Economic Development funding category, to support HORIZON – Uplifting Indigenous Female Leaders Program.
HORIZON, set to run from May to December 2024, will empower Indigenous women in regional areas by fostering self-determination and increasing workforce participation. It fills a critical gap in the market by focusing on Indigenous women, who often face additional challenges balancing cultural and family responsibilities while navigating entrepreneurship.
The program’s key component is co-creation, allowing participants to share their knowledge while receiving leadership training, entrepreneurial skills, and innovation strategies. HORIZON also integrates cultural empowerment, including sessions on strengthening connection to country, building pride, and resilience. Other highlights include skill-building workshops on digital literacy, project management, and capital raising, alongside mentorship opportunities with established Indigenous leaders. Indigenous film producers will capture knowledge from elders and participants, helping foster knowledge transfer across communities.
The program will offer scholarships to up to 22 regional Indigenous women from the Town of Port Hedland and the Shire of East Pilbara, with travel assistance for a final showcase in Perth. The online seminar series will be open to the public, free of charge.
This initiative represents a significant investment in Indigenous partnerships and the creation of thriving, empowered communities across Western Australia.
Kelly Cooke, C-Res Indigenous Business Development Principal, commented: “Our teams at C-Res and the Local Buying Foundation are incredibly proud to provide funding in support of the Horizon program. By investing in the potential of Indigenous women, we are taking important steps toward creating a more equitable and inclusive future for all. This mentorship program connects experienced Indigenous leaders with emerging ones, highlights Indigenous women’s perspectives, respecting traditional knowledge, and supporting their contributions. By supporting and being part of this program we help build a society that values diversity and champions equality in leadership. I look forward to seeing the positive impact these leaders will have in their communities.”