HORIZON: Uplifting Regional Female Leaders

Empowering Aboriginal Women to Lead and Grow in the Goldfields

Regional Aboriginal women came together in Kalgoorlie in September 2025 for the first local delivery of HORIZON’s Uplifting Regional Female Leaders intensive.

Delivered by Atomic Sky and led by Kylah Morrison, the program was supported by a grant from the Mt Burdett Foundation’s Rural and Regional Advancement Foundation (RRAF), alongside applicant contributions.

The two-day workshop, held on 15 and 16 September, brought together 11 women representing 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language groups, including Wongi, Wongatha, Ngadju, Ngarluma and Noongar.

The program was carefully co-designed with Traditional Owners and the Goldfields Aboriginal Business Chamber. Taking place ahead of Native Title determination for the region, additional time was invested in consultation and relationship building to ensure the program was genuinely community-led and culturally appropriate.

Local businesses were also supported throughout the project, with regional suppliers engaged for the venue, catering and accommodation.

Feedback highlighted the impact of the program, with nine of the ten participants who provided feedback rating the experience five out of five. All respondents reported a positive impact on their business or career.“Great program to help build leadership skills. Network with other Aboriginal female leaders in the region,” one participant said. Another identified “building confidence in my choice of words” as one of the most valuable outcomes of the program.

RRAF supports initiatives that build the skills, leadership and capacity of people living and working across regional Western Australia. By investing in local leaders and creating stronger regional networks, programs such as HORIZON help participants build their careers and businesses while contributing to the long-term strength of their communities.

Find out more about RRAF funding opportunities: https://www.mtburdettfoundation.org.au/rural-and-regional