At the heart of the Yanalangami: Strong Women, Strong Communities program is our commitment to cultural leadership and community-driven decision-making. Central to this commitment is the Yanalangami Aboriginal Advisory Council (AAC), a group of strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who provide cultural oversight, guidance, and governance for the program. Many AAC members are past participants of Yanalangami, bringing lived experience and deep understanding of the program’s purpose and impact.

We establish a AAC for each distinct Yanalangami program. Our AAC play an important role in advising our team, selecting and supporting our Changemaker participants, and engaging as guest speakers during sessions to share their stories to inspire other women. Each year, the AAC act as the review panel, ensuring that selections are fair, culturally grounded, and aligned with the values of our program. By having a strong and powerful group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women at the centre of these decisions, Yanalangami ensures that the program remains responsive to the needs of First Nations women and communities. Our AAC are fairly compensated for their valuable audience and support. 

Community involvement by our AAC has contributed to the program’s success! Having the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women embedded in the governance of Yanalangami strengthens accountability, creates trust, and ensures that the program reflects the priorities and perspectives of the community Yanalangami serves. This approach strengthens the program, helping participants feel supported and connected to people, place, and culture, from the very beginning of their Yanalangami journey.

Since its formation, the AAC has grown to include 65 First Nations women (*as of August 2025), each bringing unique skills, knowledge, and insights to guide Yanalangami, and the next generation of strong women. Our AAC’s dedication exemplifies the program’s belief that when strong women lead, communities thrive!