Beediyar (‘brid-ee-yah’), the Noongar word for ‘leader’, is AIMWA’s landmark executive development program for First Nations managers and leaders.

Co-designed with Aboriginal leaders and guided by an advisory committee of highly respected First Nations leaders, the 12-month program is designed to equip First Nations professionals with the skills, confidence and networks to progress into executive, C-suite and director roles across the corporate, public and not-for-profit sectors.

The program responds to a significant leadership gap. Research from the Minderoo Foundation, the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre and Murawin has found Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people remain significantly underrepresented in senior management and executive leadership, with Indigenous employees described as “almost entirely absent” from these levels.

Beediyar combines executive coaching, leadership development, organisational site visits and peer learning in a culturally safe environment. The program brings together professionals to build the capability, confidence and professional networks needed to succeed in senior leadership positions.

Beediyar ambassador Nikky Barney-Irvine, director of Aboriginal-owned procurement business Bunbara, said organisations are stronger when they invest in Aboriginal leadership and create pathways for Indigenous voices to contribute at every level of decision-making.

“Aboriginal people bring different perspectives that strengthen workplaces, build connections and contribute to better decision-making within businesses,” she said.

“Beediyar develops confident leaders, strengthens businesses and creates benefits for workplaces by ensuring Aboriginal voices are represented at every level of leadership.”

Helen Ockerby, a Bardi-Jawi and Noongar woman and executive officer of Glass Jar Australia, joined Beediyar to continue developing her leadership capability while learning alongside other First Nations professionals.

Glass Jar Australia delivers the nationally recognised Shooting Stars education program supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and young women.

“I applied for the Beediyar Program because I saw it as a unique opportunity to continue growing as a leader while learning alongside a cohort of First Nations professionals,” Ms Ockerby said.

“The program offered the opportunity to build on my existing experience, learn from respected First Nations leaders and connect with others whose work is creating positive outcomes across our communities.”

Ms Ockerby said the experience reinforced the value of learning alongside leaders with shared experiences. “I saw the program not just as an investment in myself, but as an investment in the work I do and the communities we serve,” she said.

“I’ve learnt that I am not alone in the experiences that come from having a diverse background. Speaking truth is a superpower if you walk in two worlds – owning your story and continuing to build on that.”

She said those lessons were already shaping the way she led her organisation, encouraging greater reflection and influencing strategic decision-making.

Peter Cox, a Noongar man and Aboriginal engagement and mentoring manager at DDR Australia, said he applied for Beediyar to further develop his leadership capability while building on his work supporting Aboriginal employment and engagement.

Mr Cox leads Indigenous employment pathways, works to strengthen relationships with Traditional Owner groups and Aboriginal businesses, and helps create culturally safe workplaces.

Mr Cox said the program challenged him to think differently about what effective leadership looks like and the role culture plays in shaping it.

“The Beediyar program reinforced the value of bringing my whole self to leadership, including my culture, lived experiences and community connections,” he said.

“It challenged me to think differently about communication styles and how to impact teams, family and community collaboratively for the best outcomes.”

Mr Cox said the relationships built through Beediyar continued well beyond graduation, connecting Aboriginal leaders from across industries.

Since completing the program, Mr Cox said he had strengthened his contribution to reconciliation, Indigenous procurement and workforce development initiatives, while mentoring emerging Indigenous professionals and helping shape organisational strategies that support Aboriginal communities.

“Leadership is not about having all the answers,” he said.

“For me, it is about listening, building relationships and ensuring others have the opportunity to succeed. When the team wins, everyone wins.”

Ms Barney-Irvine said the experiences shared by participants reflected the program’s broader purpose.

“I have seen participants’ confidence grow as leaders and realise their voice and culture is of value,” she said.

“They back themselves and take on opportunities they never considered before.

“Beediyar is more than a leadership program. It creates opportunities that change lives, strengthen families, empower communities and inspire the next generation of Aboriginal leaders.”

AIMWA is working towards its goal of building an alumni network of more than 100 First Nations executive leaders by 2030, supporting a growing pipeline of Aboriginal leaders across Western Australia. Organisations can support the growth of First Nations executive capability by sponsoring places for nominated employees.

To learn more about the Beediyar Leadership Program or register your interest in the 2027 intake, visit aimwa.com/courses/beediyar