Anna Bonney - WAALI Yorga Djenna Bidi Leadership Program

Through the support of the Mt Burdett Foundation’s Rural and Regional Advancement Foundation (RRAF), proud Wudjari Nyungar woman Anna Bonney has completed a powerful leadership development journey, one that is already shaping cultural connection and community empowerment in Esperance.

With an RRAF Individual Grant, Anna undertook the WAALI Yorga Djenna Bidi Leadership Program, a transformative experience for First Nations women. The program ran from August to December 2024 and included cultural retreats, intensive workshops, and powerful personal development. The RRAF’s investment made it possible for Anna to attend and fully engage in this life-changing opportunity.

Anna, who works with Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (ETNTAC) as a Junior Ranger and Wellbeing Coordinator, is deeply involved in building bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. She’s passionate about addressing racism, strengthening cross-cultural understanding, and fostering unity in her hometown of Kepa Kurl (Esperance).

As part of her broader impact, Anna has established a Champion Ally Group—a grassroots movement uniting locals from all walks of life to tackle racism through education, empathy, and collective healing. The group already holds regular gatherings and is growing in momentum and visibility, creating a space for difficult but essential conversations and community-driven change.

Reflecting on the Yorga Djenna Bidi program, Anna shared:

“I wasn’t expecting to really unpack myself as a person and what it truly means to be a leader. I learnt about my unconscious motivators, emotional triggers, and how to manage these in personal and professional settings. The sisterhood that formed in our cohort was incredibly special.”

She has since been invited to MC the program’s next graduation ceremony, a testament to the leadership and authenticity she brought to the experience.

While the program focused on individual growth, Anna is already applying her learnings to broader community initiatives. She plans to continue growing the Champion group and expand opportunities for cultural education and truth-telling, including:

• Workshops on racism and allyship

• On-Country learning experiences with Elders

• Cross-cultural projects with local schools and service organisations

• Micro-credentialing opportunities in First Nations knowledge

  
  

Anna hopes this work will lead to more culturally safe spaces and improved social, health, and economic outcomes across Esperance.

Creating change starts with investing in people, are you a changemaker in your region? Learn more about the RRAF and apply for funding at https://www.mtburdettfoundation.org.au/rural-and-regional