Aboriginal leaders unite for a brighter future at Albany conference

Noongar elders and young leaders from across WA’s South West connected in Albany at the Great Southern Aboriginal Leadership Network Conference last week to celebrate achievements and grow opportunities.

Hosted by the Great Southern Noongar Emerging Leadership Group the two-day forum was attended by Aboriginal people from across regional WA.

It was the second year of the conference, supported by the Great Southern Development Commission, which featured a range of collaborative workshops and panel discussions.

Menang Noongar elder Lester Coyne opened the conference with a Welcome to Country before keynote speakers Relationships WA Moorditj Yarning Program manager Roy Tester and Yokai executive director Jim Morrison took to the stage.

GSNELG chairman Stuart Roberts said the conference was a significant milestone for the community.

“There were many highlights during the two-day conference including the very informative elders and community leaders panel, who shared valuable insights into their personal journeys of leadership,” he said.

“Feedback from those that attended the conference has been overwhelmingly positive, with stakeholders and Aboriginal leaders wanting to see the event continue to happen and to develop further to be an important regional platform for bringing Aboriginal people and stakeholders together.”

The conference featured the inaugural Aboriginal Leadership Awards Night dinner at Retravision Stadium which recognised contributions by Aboriginal leaders, community organisations and employees.

The awards, sponsored by the Southern Aboriginal Corporation, were presented in five categories.

Albany Aboriginal Corporation chair Lester Coyne took home the Aboriginal Leadership Award, while the Aboriginal Volunteer Award was shared by Gnowangerup’s Derek Woods and Tambellup’s Sherma Smith.

Albany Youth Support Association received the Community Services Award and Palmerston counsellor Terrell Lacey received the Employee Award.