Broome hosts Kimberley Aboriginal Women’s Leadership Roundtable 2025

The amplification of the voices of Aboriginal women — particularly in governance, ensuring their presence and influence in decision-making at all levels — was top of the agenda at a Broome event.

More than 100 attendees took part in this year’s Kimberley Aboriginal Women’s Council (KAWC) Kimberley Aboriginal Women’s Leadership Roundtable from October 7 to 9, with the theme of United in Purpose: Governance, Solidarity and Voice.

KAWC chair Selena O’Meara said the roundtable was a chance to showcase the collective power of Aboriginal women.

“The roundtable is about being powerful in voice, visionary in purpose, and future-focused in action to achieve meaningful and lasting change,” she said.

“It’s also about standing together as women, strengthening our governance, and ensuring our voices carry from grassroots communities to the highest levels of decision-making.”

Over the course of the three-day event, participants engaged in a wide range of activities including cultural immersion, skills-building workshops and advocacy training. Attendees also co-designed governance structures aimed at fostering continued collaboration and ensuring sustainable action among Aboriginal women and their allies.

Member for Kimberley Divina D’Anna said the roundtables were vital to bringing communities together and sharing knowledge.

“It was a privilege to join Minister Stephen Dawson MLC at KAWC Leadership Roundtable in Broome this week, where strong women shared deep knowledge, lived experience and a commitment to building strong, connected communities,” she said.

“Organisations like KAWC hold a vital role in advocating for healing, safety and long-term community-led change. I remain committed to listening and working alongside Kimberley women to support better outcomes for families and communities across the region.”

The event also featured presentations from several local Kimberly women’s organisations, including Marnja Jarndu, Ngunga, Marnin Bowa Dambarra, Marninwarntikura, Ngaringga Ngurra, and Gawooleng Yawoodeng, sharing their strategic plans focused on healing, empowerment and community strengthening.

The event wrapped up with a gala dinner and awards night at the Broome Civic Centre.

KAWC chief executive Janine Dureau said the event was a show of the power of connecting and working together.

“Together, you have all shown what it means to lead with lateral love, lifting one another up, staying grounded, and holding strong for our women,” she said.