First Nations leaders begin executive program strengthening representation across WA
AIM WA’s Beediyar leadership program has officially commenced for 2026, bringing together First Nations professionals from across Western Australia to strengthen executive leadership capability and representation across the state.
Now in its second year, Beediyar was established to support First Nations leaders stepping into senior roles across corporate, government, not-for-profit and community sectors. The program combines strategic management learning, executive coaching, organisational site visits, policy exposure, a trip to Canberra and an international study tour.
AIM WA Chief Executive Officer Professor Gary Martin said the long-term vision for the program is clear.
“It’s a future where First Nations people are well represented in executive roles in Western Australia across the corporate, government, not for profit and charitable sectors,” he said.
The year-long program was structurally designed and led by First Nations leaders, ensuring it is culturally grounded while building strategic, financial and executive capability.
For regional Western Australia, the program represents a significant opportunity.
As communities across the state face workforce challenges, succession pressures and increasing demand for strong local leadership, developing executive capability within regional organisations hasnever been more important.
Support from senior sector leaders has also helped make the program possible.
Dr Nathan Gibson, Chief Psychiatrist of Western Australia and a sponsor of the 2026 AIM WA Beediyar program, said initiatives like Beediyar are essential to strengthening First Nations leadership across sectors.
“In the mental health sector, the Gayaa Dhuwi Declaration calls for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders to be not just visible, but influential and supported across all parts of the mental health system”, Dr Gibson said.
“Whether it’s in major cities or regional communities, the road to better social and emotional wellbeing for Aboriginal people is built on the foundations of cultural knowledge carried by Aboriginal Elders and community leaders across Australia. Beediyar equips leaders with the skills towalk in two worlds, marrying cultural understanding with practical contemporary leadership practices to make a genuine impact for all Australians.
“Change will only happen when government agenciesunderstand that Aboriginal leaders must be at the very highest executive levels of public service agencies. The Chief Psychiatrist is proud to honour the Gayya Dhuwi Declaration and Aboriginal leadership through the AIM WA Beediyar Program.”
AIM WA is encouraging regional employers, councils and organisations to consider how they can support participation in future groups, whether by sponsoring a high potential employee or individual from their community, or sponsoring a scholarship place on the 2027 program.
“Sponsors have made possible one of the most comprehensive executive development programs we’ve ever run in our 69 years of existence,” Professor Martin said.
“We thank them for sharing our vision for the program, and we look forward to others who want to join us in achieving that vision.”
As the 2026 group begins its journey, AIM WA is looking ahead to Beediyar 2027 and encouraging interest from regional Western Australia, ensuring leaders from across the state see the program as accessible, relevant and connected to the future of their communities.
Further information about Beediyar can be found at www.aimwa.com/beediyar or by contacting beediyar@aimwa.com. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Andrea Walters on 08 9383 8016.
ENDS
Media Contact:
Ashley Downie
Head of Marketing
Australian Institute of Management Western Australia (AIM WA)
(08) 9383 8000
adownie@aimwa.com
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