I am a proud Yuin woman with family connections to Dharrawal Nation and the La Perouse community. I was born in Nowra NSW (2 hrs south of Sydney) and grew up in my community, the old Roseby Park (Jerringa) mission in Culburra, up till I was 10 years old. Growing up on Country and in my community connected me to my culture and identity. I was surrounded by all my cousins, Nan, Pop, aunties, uncles, Mum and my stepdad. Family has always been such a huge influence on me growing up.
It was hard for my family to find jobs and to provide the life that we deserved, which led us to move. We relocated to Queensland which was a cultural shift since I was used to being around community and immersed with culture. I faced identity challenges as I didn’t fit the “stereotype” Aboriginal person. However, I was able to overcome that adversity and maintain my cultural connection through my mum and aunties. This has a profound impact on the person I am today.
I now reside with my partner and son on beautiful Kabi Kabi land (the Sunshine Coast) which fills my cup as it so close to the ocean. As a saltwater woman I live and breathe the beach which always makes me feel like home. In my free time and anytime outside of my mummy duties, I’m at the beach.
I am the Community Experience Officer within IBA’s Community & Customer Experience team (CCE). My role includes reviewing some of IBA’s initiatives, projects, products and processes to ensure we have our customer experience at the centre. This includes handling customer complaints and providing various project supports, giving our customers not only the best customer service, but the best customer experience.
It's an interesting space to work in but it’s also an important one. We are here to serve a specific client set. Our customers’ journey with IBA should be culturally appropriate and supportive at all points of interaction with us.
I started my career journey working in various admin roles. I worked in industries such as insurance which focus on profit rather than people which didn’t sit with my value set. It made me realise that I wanted to do something where I have that connection and passion, especially working with mob. So, if I can make even a small difference for my mob and assist with community development, that’s success for me.
I started working at IBA in 2017 as a Business Support Officer then moved to the Special Projects team where I worked on projects such as Women in Business and the Accelerator program. I left IBA in April 2021 to begin studying a Bachelor of Social Science full-time. The social impact of the work really cemented my passion in working in this space.
When I saw the opportunity of the Customer Experience Officer within CCE come up, I knew I wanted to stay at IBA so I applied and have been working here ever since.
I see IBA as having an important job to do for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the wellbeing of community.
The work we do improves the inequality faced by Indigenous Australians. Engaging customers and centring our projects and programs around mob ways of doing and being, is a powerful way of driving that change.
A lot of mob have a mistrust towards government. It’s important to build that trust and fill those gaps. There are so many opportunities to help our mob, and I wanted to be part of an organisation that has that potential. It also aligns with my personal values and wanting to see mob do well. I want to be able to influence that any way I can.
Every holiday season between November to December it’s everything Christmas. From movies such as Home Alone, Elf, The Holiday to cheesy Netflix Christmas Movies like The Knight Before Christmas and The Holiday Calendar; I love them all. Much to my partners dismay, that is 😉
We recently launched our Pathways Through Business report at an online event hosted by IBA’s Dr Siddharth Shirodkar, Principal Economist, who was joined by two First Nations business owners who shared their inspiring and groundbreaking stories – Shane Kennelly, Managing Director of Kennelly Constructions, and Hanina Rind, Founder of Yarn Legal. Both shared experiences that highlighted the strength, resilience, and powerful potential within the Indigenous business community.
The findings from the Pathways Through Business report show us the transformative growth in the sector: the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business sector grew by over 50% from 2016 to 2021, reaching approximately 29,200 business owners—or 4.4% of the population aged 15 and above. This phenomenal rise in First Nations business owners speaks volumes about the resilience and dedication of mature First Nations businesses that have long overcome barriers and challenged stereotypes.
Shane Kennelly, a proud Bundjalung man, has turned his construction company, which has been operating for over a decade, into a symbol of success for Indigenous business in Australia.
A lot has changed over that time, not least of which is the success of the Indigenous Procurement Policy. “Up until 2015, being known as a black business was a disadvantage because of cognitive or behavioural discrimination in procurement. But the Indigenous Procurement Policy changed things, making big companies accountable for engaging Indigenous suppliers. We’ve seen massive growth in the sector, but there’s still a lot of work to be done.”
Reflecting on his journey, he said, “[Business] people give us the opportunity because we will not let you down. There’s a stigma that black businesses can’t succeed…we [First Nations entrepreneurs] take that load personally, to make it an easier pathway for others in the future.”
Shane’s dedication isn’t just about building a thriving business; it’s about creating a legacy and setting a foundation for the next generation. “Our goal is not just about growing a business. It’s about creating a path for our children and future generations. The opportunity to own a business wasn’t afforded to my family or generations before that, so for me, it’s about creating a legacy and being a role model.”
For Shane, the real challenge was competing in a mainstream market without the advantage of intergenerational wealth—a reality for many Indigenous entrepreneurs. Fortunately, for programs like IBA’s, it made a crucial difference, giving Kennelly Constructions the leverage to expand and take on larger contracts. Shane’s story is a testament to the power of tailored support and the dedication of Indigenous business owners to creating a legacy.
For Hanina Rind, the journey into business began with the courage to take a risk. As the founder of Yarn Legal and a proud Yamatji, Badimaya, and Balouchi Muslim woman, Hanina built a culturally safe and trauma-informed legal practice. Her decision to establish her own practice was driven by a passion for empowering her community and creating a space for other Indigenous women.
“For many Indigenous women, it’s not just financial support that’s needed—it’s that cultural support, that sense of validation and encouragement from others. We’re often balancing so many roles and responsibilities, so knowing someone believes in you is powerful.” Hanina shared.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are the fastest growing business demographic in Australia. First Nations women represented 36% of the business sector in 2021, up from 33% in 2016, in part due to initiatives like IBA’s Strong Women Strong Business. However, they currently make up only 31% of IBA business loan customers. This is something IBA is looking to address, so that more First Nations women feel comfortable taking on suitable finance products, so watch this space.
Hanina spoke passionately about the challenges Indigenous women face, balancing cultural responsibilities, community needs, and the demands of business. “For me, it was about finding that balance between community support, financial backing, and the courage to take that step forward.”
Her journey exemplifies how community backing, and belief can fuel business success, particularly for women carrying cultural and familial responsibilities.
“Taking the leap, taking the risk… that’s the part we often hesitate on, but that’s what opens doors.” she said, encouraging other Indigenous women to pursue their dreams, knowing they have the strength and resilience to overcome barriers.
Both Shane and Hanina’s stories remind us that while policy, like the Indigenous Procurement Policy, plays an essential role in leveling the playing field, it’s the personal drive, courage, and community support that truly propel Indigenous entrepreneurs forward.
These entrepreneurs are paving a path for future generations, breaking down barriers, and rewriting what Indigenous success looks like in Australia’s business landscape.
The hard work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business owners has truly blazed the trail, making business ownership a more genuine and accessible path for the next generation of First Nations entrepreneurs. Together, they’re proving that with courage, support, and the right resources, Indigenous business can continue to drive self-determination and economic empowerment—one success story at a time.
For more information:
In October we celebrated the 10 year anniversary of Indigenous Business Month (IBM) which showcased the theme 'Making our Mark' where we shared, celebrated and congratulated First Nations businsesses making their mark in the business sector. On socials we shared our 'Feel Good Fridays' and customer stories that feautred First Nations businesses.
Below are some customers we shared for IBM as we feel the love and dedication of the Indigenous business sector.
Meet Shane - Kennelly Constructions
Meet Saltwater Eco Tours a unique tourism experience that would inspire a deeper connection to Indigenous culture and the ocean.
This awesome family business specialises in one-on-one digital support and e-commerce training for small and medium businesses who want to sell products online. They have also recently built an app specifically for Shopify Point of Sale called POS Cafe. The app allows businesses like cafes and coffee shops more flexibility to sell products that need complex modifications (like milk type or sweeteners).
Meet David, making his mark in the film industry. His business @newdreamproductions has been shooting for the stars and making big moves.
His debut feature film, ‘Heart of the Man’, follows Chris Wundurra, an amateur boxer caught between family expectations and following his true passion. Currently making the festival rounds, with streaming platforms on the horizon!
David received a business loan from IBA which he used to purchase the equipment that produced this.
We also shared our newly launched Business Pathways report which highlighted the amazing work and milestones First Nations businesses are accomplishing. To read the more: IBA-Pathways-Business-Report.pdf
For me, life is all about family and living life to the fullest. I was born and raised in Coolbellup, Perth on Whadjuk Noongar Boodja. I’m extremely family-orientated which fits with me having a huge family. I have two adult children and two grandkiddies who I love spending time with. My family gatherings are always a riot with all the grandkids, nieces and nephews, all gathered together.
In my spare time I also enjoy going on trips in our caravan up and down the coast. I’m all about making memories with my family and friends and living life together.
At IBA, I am a Principle Home Lending Officer which involves helping customers take the next step in their homeownership journey. From the initial assessment of EOI’s (Expression of interest), through to supporting customers through their application and purchasing journey. This includes seeking borrowing capacity, offer guidance/tools if they aren’t ready to go now and prepare loan submission to credit for decision.
School was never really for me; my Mum said I could get a full-time job instead, so I decided to leave in year 10 to do so. I worked in different industries, ranging from retail and other financial institutions.
At my previous workplace where I worked in home lending a friend told me about IBA, after I had a look on the website, I decided I’d like to make the move. I’ve now been here for one year. The work here is so different compared to the other places that I have worked and I love it. I love how we help people and change people’s lives.
I love helping people and I always want to know what more can I do. I’ve worked with customers who came from being homeless to now owning their own home. That’s the type of change that brightens my day. The work we do here aligns with my core values and the difference I want to make to people’s lives.
Sharing finance and education, and being part of the process to assist customers in generational wealth is priceless. This creates that ripple effect for their families to share and continue to pass on that knowledge.
I can’t name anything specific, but anything Country. Artists like Luke Combs, Morgan Whalan and a couple of oldies such as Charlie Pride, Alan Jackson. Country music just speaks to my soul and is able to calm me on a bad day.
First Nations people already have a complex environment to navigate in the world but add LGBTQIA+ to the mix and things get even tougher. IBA had a yarn with Allira Potter to discuss language, identity and how organisations can step up to the challenge in supporting their colleagues.
First up, do you know what LGBTQIA+ means? L= Lesbian, G= Gay, B= Bisexual, T= Transgender, Q= Queer or Questioning, I= Intersex, A= Asexual, + = everything in between and more which includes other sexual and gender identities including Two-Spirit and Pansexual.
Pride in inclusivity can come in many forms but it is ultimately creating a space for people to feel seen, heard, appreciated and safe. With many workplaces taking steps to embrace diversity and inclusion, what is missing? And how can we all play a part in taking pride in inclusivity.
As First Nations people, it can be hard to navigate your identity in the workplace and knowing where you stand. There can be pressure of an extra cultural load to uplift a workplace to educate and create a safe space. Similarly with other minority groups such as the LGBTQIA+ community, it can be hard to express your identity and live your truth no matter how big or small the organisation.
People who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community face many challenges and that includes the workplace. Being First Nations and/or queer is a continuous fight to be seen and heard.
A proud Yorta-Yorta woman and author of “Wild & Witchy”, Allira Potter gives their (yes, purposefully written) insights to the importance of language, expressing your identity and how businesses and organisations can ignite change in the workplace to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all. Allira is part of our Strong Woman Strong Business (SWSB) network and Lunch & Learn speakers who previously spoke about Strong Women Empowering Others.
This is must-read content! IBA breaks it down into sections – overcome the challenge, identify red flags, remain open-minded, step outside your boundaries, speak your truth, find your strength, and pride in truth.
There can be various challenges in the workplace whether it’s time management, meeting your KPIs or working under pressure. However, these challenges can become more stressful when working in unwelcoming environments. Allira discussed exactly such a situation and the challenges that came with it.
“Some of the challenges I faced during my career journey were being surrounded by non-Indigenous people who created a toxic work environment, which made it difficult to speak my truth, especially in a large corporation with little to no support,” said Allira.
“Working in such an environment can make you feel like a number rather an individual. Without any support it was hard trying to find my voice and confidence to speak up.”
A workplace that is not open to individuality can cause individuals to feel suppressed in their identity where they feel they must water themselves down to accommodate to the culture. By suppressing your identity, it takes away our own uniqueness and individuality.
LESSON: It’s important to realise we are more than a number and with many others facing similar challenges. So, how can workplaces overcome the obstacles they created?
Many of us spend a substantial amount of our time in a workplace. It's crucial to create an environment where individuals can feel safe, heard and appreciated. Allira identified some red flags that workplaces can identify within their own space to hold themselves accountable.
“There are so many businesses that have been striving to make change which is incredible and it’s because they’re listening to their workers. I definitely feel like little things help corps/orgs. Little things like an Acknowledgement of Country plaque displayed in the office,” said Allira.
“If there are employees that are First Nations that haven’t yet identified in the company, having something as simple as a plaque or a rainbow flag gives people of either minority a chance to feel safe within these walls.”
LESSON: By listening to workers, providing support and incorporating the little things, organisations can create such a big difference in the workplace.
Challenging your beliefs and understanding others can be difficult when you have different lived experiences. This is why the importance of language can create a validating and supportive environment. Allira, who uses she/they pronouns, discussed the importance of language and how pronouns can be respectfully demonstrated inside and outside the workplace.
“Using language such as a person's pronouns is so important. Again, it’s creating a safe space for that person and it’s making that person feel seen. Also reminding yourself that if you muck up someone’s pronouns or you misgender someone it’s not the end of the world. That person will just correct you, which will allow you to reframe your language for next time,” said Allira.
LESSON: With cancel and woke culture in the mix, individuals can feel scared to not ask questions or make a mistake. It is the intention behind the question that matters. If you’re coming from good place, it’s ok. Be open minded and create a space for individuals to have those open conversations. But how can we have that conversation?
Change is scary. It can challenge all that you’ve ever known and create hard conversations. Allira provided advice for workplaces to be more inclusive, celebrate diversity and to start a conversation.
“For some businesses and organisations, it can be really hard to have those conversations with staff. Especially people that aren’t out or questioning in the LGBTQIA+ community or don’t choose to identify as First Nations within their workplace. By putting little things out there like including your pronouns in work emails and getting involved during significant events such as NRW and NAIDOC week, it creates conversations and encourages people to engage within community,” said Allira.
“It encourages people within those minority groups to feel safe and seen. You want to be walking into a safe space. My advice for corps and orgs is don't be afraid to step outside your boundaries and have those conversations.”
LESSON: By stepping out of your boundaries, you open yourself up to a range of possibilities. By standing up and speaking your truth, it can create change and hopefully create a place of comfort. How can you stand up and speak your truth?
Navigating your identity in a workplace with people outside of your community can cause challenges in connection and making meaningful relationships. Here’s some advice Allira gave on how people can navigate their identity in the workplace.
“It can be overwhelming trying to have a voice in the workplace, especially in a large corporation. My advice would be don’t be afraid to utilise resources that your company has, for example if there’s a HR department or an inclusion and diversity team, reach out to them,” said Allira.
“When you have at least one support person on your side, you will feel a little bit more comfortable to be vocal – to speak your truth. Don't be afraid to say what you need to say.”
LESSON: Having support and a strong support system is extremely validating. “Don’t be afraid to say what you need to say” is a strong statement. Although Allira’s advice says to utilise support in the workplace, what happens when there is no support or strength in finding your voice?
It can be daunting trying to find your voice and confidence within the workplace. Especially if you’re early in your career. When working in a difficult environment, Allira found it hard to find their confidence. However, she reflected on their ancestors and drew their strength from them.
“I always think about how they paved the way for me to do the things that I want to be doing. So, I need to have some sort of spine and speak up and just say what I need to say,” said Allira.
“If it backfires that’s ok because at least I know that I did what I needed to do and spoke my truth. By speaking my truth, it allows me to stand up for myself and be the person I want to be.”
LESSON: When faced with a difficult situation that involves speaking up against injustice think about the people who paved the way for you to be where you are today. Reflect on where you draw your strength and who or what gives you courage to speak up. The ones that want you to succeed will guide you.
Pride can have many meanings – something that gives you deep satisfaction, something from which you’re encouraged and draw strength. However, ‘Pride’ when recognising the LGBTQIA+ community is known to be a celebration of people coming together in love and friendship, to show how far LGBTQIA+ people and rights have come. Allira explained their meaning of Pride.
“I was having this conversation the other day because I recently got engaged. We were talking about marriage, and they were basically saying I don’t get marriage – it’s just the patriarchy and all these things against marriage. For me I just think of all the lesbians before me that have paved the way for people like me and my fiancé to be able to go and get married,” said Allira.
“Pride means having this deep sense of realisation of all the people before me that really advocated and fought hard for people like me to be able to get married and walk into spaces in order to feel safe. Because 20 years ago that wasn't even a thing. Pride to me is just being content within myself and being ok with my sexuality and just loving me for me.”
Taking pride in truth is recognising our past, being present in who we are and making that change for a better future.
When people are in an unsupportive and unsafe environment, the expression of identity can be suppressed – they may feel the need to hide who they really are to fit in. By creating an inclusive environment, people can feel liberated and safe knowing they have support. A place where they can feel seen, heard and appreciated. With a workplace where we spend much of our time, shouldn't we create a space of safety and acceptance, rather than tolerance and performance?
When employees feel safe and heard, it promotes a culture in which employees can speak freely and live their truth. This ultimately uplifts the rest of the organisation to better serve, support and protect their employees and customers.
Being inclusive includes ‘u’, ‘I' and ‘us’. There’s no room for racism but there will always be room for inclusivity.
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Allira Potter (she/they) a proud Yorta-Yorta woman, with an impressive resume ranging from an intuitive, a creator and writer, speaker, model, an empowerment and Award-winning coach, manifesting queen, baby witch and an all-round spiritual sister.
Zenae Powell (she/her) a proud Wiradjuri woman in Central-West of NSW residing on Dharug Ngurra. At IBA, she contributes to the invaluable work to share stories with community. Zenae is studying a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Indigenous Studies and Public Relations at Macquarie University.
Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) is a Corporate Commonwealth entity, we support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with home ownership, business opportunities, and investments for their future. It’s why we exist.
I’m currently living and residing on Turrbal and Yuggera Country in Brisbane. Growing up, I lived in many places all over Australia but was mainly raised in Alice Springs in the NT. Even though I spent a lot of time in the desert, I have a big affinity with water. Whenever I can, I love to spear fish and surf.
I work as a Relationship Manager in our Brisbane office. I work with existing business clients to support them along their business journey. We’re all-rounders, including writing new business loans, managing accounts, hashing out ideas with our clients, and working on projects to try and support our customers. Our goal is to try and keep businesses running, supporting them to grow and to achieve their goals.
I’ve been working in finance for over six years now after finishing a Bachelor of Commerce at Flinders Uni in Adelaide. After reading about IBA through a job listing, I really liked its core values and its not-for-profit approach. IBA offers a bit of a different experience and I feel IBA is connected to its people and genuinely cares for and wants people to succeed.
I joined IBA to try and create opportunities that make lasting change. Helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses grow has really cool flow-on effects for community. Having a part to play in that aligns with my values to influence change.
IBA also gives me the opportunity to build strong relationships with customers. I didn’t really like the suit and tie aspect of finance but being able to have a more casual approach has been more enjoyable for both me and my clients. Trust is important in any relationship, and I find I can be more personable here and have access to resources that can help people and businesses. The work I do allows me to build and maintain meaningful relationships.
As you could guess, I feel most connected when I’m in the water, getting out in the waves and being present in a body of water. Being in the water is a great way to reset and refresh. I always feel better after a dip.
With a mission to create a more just and sustainable world through enterprise, Northern Territory based Together Business Australia Pty Ltd has made leap and bounds in supporting the financial literacy of mob all around Australia.
Founded in 2019 by Anaiwan woman, Sarah Hyland, Together Business is an Indigenous Chartered Accounting Firm which has set its path to making a difference for social enterprises that make change with their own communities.
Under the Social Enterprise Grant, Sarah and her team have invested heavily in developing and delivering resources that support First Nations women with timely, affordable and fit-for-purpose financial and business advice. Sarah said that one of the key barriers to success for Indigenous business founders is not having a hands-on approach with a professional advisor, mainly due to affordability. Her brainchild ‘Together Academy’ is changing this through being a financial empowerment and education platform built on the Intellectual Property of Together Business. “It provides access to timely and fit-for-purpose accounting and business support to First Nations business founders, at all stages of business maturity,” Sarah said.
The program was delivered through a transformative platform that continues to empower Indigenous women and sistergirls with essential skills for sustainable business success. Through a meticulously curated series, participants gained knowledge to navigate the intricacies of entrepreneurship. Twelve modules of high-quality video content, cover topics that help establish and grow successful businesses.
Additionally, participants received mentoring support through a certified accountant, a weekly online forum and blogs. The Together Academy Business Financial Literacy Program has been delivered to 77 First Nations women of which 61% identified as start-ups, while 22% classified themselves as scale-ups, signalling aspirations for business growth and expansion.
Sarah said that despite challenges inherent in modern business life, the program has garnered significant interest and yielded invaluable insights for future improvements.
“Our primary objective throughout this series was to empower Indigenous women and Sistergirls in business by enhancing their financial literacy skills,” Sarah said. “We were over the moon when our evaluation showed that a remarkable 75% of women reported a noticeable improvement in their knowledge and financial confidence as a direct consequence of their participation. That made all the hard work worthwhile,” Sarah said.
Throughout the program development and launch, the twelve video resources received 324 views with additional engagement covering a workbook, 100 blog articles, a business directory page and a funding opportunities wall.
Together Academy Ltd has now been established as a standalone not for profit, holding charitable status. "The Purpose of Together Academy is to be the go-to source of credible, and reliable business knowledge for diverse founders.
We're celebrating the incredible journey of Karl and Ash, the dedicated owners of Impact Panel & Paint.
"If I look back from where we started to where we are now, it’s a massive achievement. From renting to purchasing our own property and building," says Karl.
Their story is a testament to resilience and growth, evolving from humble beginnings into a thriving family business. Not only have they excelled in their industry, but they have also made a lasting impression on us.
Since 2011, we’ve had the honour of witnessing their remarkable growth, both in business and in their personal lives. From being a dynamic duo to becoming a beautiful family of five, we’ve been privileged to capture their inspiring journey.
We’re excited to share their story with you. Watch below.
I am a Wiradjuri woman and live with my two beautiful children, husband and beloved cavoodle, Dodge. My family is at the heart of everything I do. So, when I’m not working, I’m ‘ubering’ the kids around to various sporting activities and events and going on family outdoor adventures with Dodge.
I grew up on Wangal land in Berala. The Wangal people are a part of the Dharug clan and Berala is the Aboriginal word meaning ‘swamp duck’. I now reside on Dharrawal Country in Jannali which is derived from the Aboriginal word ‘moon’. My home is really my sanctuary where I recharge and wind down at the end of the day with a hot chocolate and a gripping TV series.
I am a Parramatta Eels supporter and while I have never seen them win a Premiership, I have hopes that one day they will…
I’m Special Counsel here at IBA. No two days are ever the same in my role. My work covers all sorts of legal tasks ranging from diving into exciting project work, transactional work and reviewing contracts ranging from finance documents, confidentiality agreements to service agreements. I also monitor legal and governance developments that impact IBA.
I studied a Bachelor of Law and Business at UTS. I was initially drawn to the accounting world, thinking I’d end up crunching numbers as an accountant. But after landing an internship and graduate position at a reputable law firm, it turned out the world had other plans for me.
The real game changer came when I made the leap to an in-house legal role at NSW Treasury Corporation (TCorp). I really loved my time there and spent the next 12 years providing legal support on a range of matters related to finance arrangements, debt-capital markets and public policy.
I initially moved to IBA on secondment from another government agency, Export Finance Australia. I enjoyed my secondment so much that I quickly realised that I had found a community where I felt valued and inspired. That is when I made a decision to transition from secondment to a permanent position. I am thankful for the chance to work with such an awesome bunch.
Growing up, I was not aware of my Indigenous background as it was kept a secret in my family for many years. Discovering this later in life has ignited a journey of self-discovery to understand and honour my Indigenous roots. Working at IBA has allowed me to engage with other people who are mob and share similar stories to mine. It’s been so nice being able to connect and relate to those around me and learn more about myself.
I was also drawn to the type of work IBA does. It’s rewarding to do something greater than yourself, knowing you’re setting future generations up for empowerment and success. I think what also sets my role apart at IBA, it’s this sense of camaraderie that makes coming to work each day not just fulfilling but truly enjoyable.
My aspirational spirit animal is the kangaroo. To me, the kangaroo is a symbol of nurturing and protection, which resonates with my deep sense of responsibility and compassion towards those I care for, whether it’s my family, friends or community. I am also inspired behind the presence of the kangaroo (and emu) on the Australian Coat of Arms. Both these animals can only move forward, never backward, which serves as a powerful symbol of optimism, resilience, and constant growth.
In the heart of the Northern Territory, a powerful movement has been started by social enterprise Wave of Change Consultancy Pty Ltd. Woolwonga and Kukatj woman, raised on Larrakia and Yolngu land, Lateesha Jeffrey, stands at the forefront, with firsthand experience and knowledge about the devastating impact of lateral violence on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities. But instead of succumbing to despair, she chose to create a beacon of hope: the ‘Lateral Empowerment’ program.
Together with staunch First Nations women Jaylene Chevalier and Rhiannon Busch, the program has been designed and delivered by Indigenous women, for Indigenous women. Championed by founder Lateesha Jeffrey, Wave of Change Consultancy rolled out the ‘Lateral Empowerment’ program – designed to dismantle lateral violence with the goal to give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls reflective tools to cut through the dark sides of lateral violence and inspire and uplift one another. From Tennant Creek, and Groote Eylandt to Galiwin’ku with many other Territory communities in between, Lateesha and her team were able to successfully work with 187 women and girls from 14 different remote and very remote locations.
The lateral violence that is explored through the program relates to the harmful behaviours that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are both subjected to and/ or have perpetuated. Lateral violence has devastating effects that can cause the deepening of intergenerational trauma, with the behaviours occurring within families, in schools, organisations and communities at large.
With her experience in leadership on the sports field as well as soft skills developed working within education and government, Lateesha was well-positioned to deliver a transformative program with a unique approach.
“Our emotionally and trauma-informed practices encourage participants to not only understand their experiences of lateral violence but also identify where they may have perpetuated these behaviours in their own life,” Lateesha says. “Participants are provided the safe space to practice reflection, whilst also empowering responsibility and accountability towards changing the negative narrative, instilling principles of lateral empowerment for future generations.”
The program delivery has underpinned Wave of Change’s theory of change, being that the reflective nature of the program enables participants to be accountable for their actions and identify an opportunity to promote a strength-based approach through ‘lateral empowerment’.
“The power of this program,” Lateesha says, “is that by capturing what makes the participants feel safe to connect, share and learn, we created a ripple effect because the women understood how to support and uplift others within their community to eventually stop lateral violence altogether.”
The success of the program is evident as 95.6% of participants completed the workshops with a greater understanding of lateral violence and the impacts.
A participant remarked that the tears during the program showed the authenticity of how lateral violence is happening for these ladies in their communities each day and how the chains of silence have been broken: “The empowerment to these ladies to find their voice and speak up through the program demonstrated the strength gathered through sharing their stories with everyone”, the participant stated.
The Lateral Empowerment Program continues to be delivered within the Northern Territory at a fee for service (due to lack of ongoing funding), with hopes to expand interstate to continue the powerful movement with First Nations women and girls.
Wave of Change were a Social Enterprise partner with IBA in 2003.
