Kimberley Girl’s future ensured

The future of iconic indigenous leadership program Kimberley Girl has been ensured for another year, with the State Government pledging $200,000 to the initiative last week.

Kimberley Girl has become something of an institution in the North West, helping to empower young Aboriginal women from the region.

In its twelfth year, the Goolarri Media-run program has assisted more than 300 Aboriginal women to become role models in their communities.

The long-term funding of the program is still an issue to be resolved, but in the short term the State Government’s assistance ensures funding up until June 2016.

Premier Colin Barnett said Kimberley Girl was an important initiative and had the State’s support.

"This program does great work with young Aboriginal women helping them to develop self-confidence and fulfil their potential," he said.

"It is important for young women, in particular, to get opportunities to expand their horizons and to develop the skills to empower them to make their way in the world."

The scheme’s offshoot Pilbara Girl has hosted workshops for participants this week, with the first heat taking place tomorrow night.

The local program is set to start in Broome on September 28, with the final on October 9, where the annual Kimberley Girl winner will be announced.

Goolarri’s chief operations officer and Kimberley Girl founder Kira Fong toldThe Broome Advertiser she was very excited about the State Government funding, which along with the generous donations of private sponsors keeps the program running.

She also said that the $200,000 grant would mean Kimberley Girl can maintain a regional focus instead of concentrating solely on Broome.

This approach will facilitate the permanent employment of a co-ordinator to offer aftercare to community based participants once the actual event has finished.

The initiative has also partnered with Kimberley Training Institute this year, with the education body offering two-day intensive workshops for all participants.

“Pre and post-program care is imperative to ensuring ongoing outcomes for participants,” Ms Fong said.

“As a result of involvement in the Kimberley Girl program and through this partnership, this can be achieved.”