About Nyunnga Ku
From a small group of Elders to a funded regional initiative
Nyunnga Ku — meaning 'women belonging to' — was formed in 2016 in Leonora, Western Australia. A small group of dedicated local First Nations Elders came together with a shared strategic vision: to address and improve the social, emotional wellbeing and personal development of local community members through a cultural lens.
In the early years, the organisation operated under the auspice of the Shire of Leonora. This arrangement provided administrative support while the founding members built the relationships, trust and governance structures needed to stand independently.
From January 2025, Nyunnga Ku Aboriginal Corporation was registered as an independently incorporated entity under ORIC (Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations) — a Not-For-Profit organisation with its own governance structure, board of directors and strategic plan.
The same year, the organisation was awarded grant funding through the National Indigenous Australians Agency's Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) Program — a three-year investment that has enabled the development of the Regional Community Collective Hub model.
The board of directors continue the legacy of the founding Elders, driving social impact through the Hub and building a model that is designed to outlast any single funding cycle.
A platform for engagement and cultural development
Nyunnga Ku provides a solid platform for community engagement and cultural development by collaborating with Traditional Owners, local Councils, and stakeholders. We deliver programs that are culturally appropriate, impactful, and designed to foster long-term community resilience and prosperity.
The Regional Community Connector Hub model is a coordinated, place-based approach that brings together government agencies, service providers, and local stakeholders to drive community-led outcomes. It fosters meaningful engagement, advocacy, and awareness while building local capability and leadership.
Strong, self-determined communities
Nyunnga Ku envisions strong, self-determined communities thriving through cultural integrity, economic empowerment, and environmental stewardship. Through the Regional Community Connector Hub model, Nyunnga Ku fosters collaboration between government, service providers, and local stakeholders to drive community-led solutions.
The vision includes the growth of social enterprises — such as energy efficiency and bush medicine programs — that build generational wealth, revitalise cultural knowledge, and create sustainable futures grounded in local leadership and shared purpose.
Board of Directors
The Nyunnga Ku board is made up of local First Nations community members and independent directors who bring a combination of lived experience, cultural knowledge, and governance expertise to the organisation.
Colleen Berry
Colleen is the founding force behind Nyunnga Ku. A Leonora Elder with deep roots in the community, she has driven the organisation's vision since its formation in 2016 — from a small group of local Elders to a formally incorporated body with government funding and national partnerships.
Vicki Abdullah
Vicki brings lived experience and community knowledge to the board, contributing to program design and stakeholder engagement across the Northern Goldfields.
Wayne Abdullah
Wayne provides strategic and operational guidance, drawing on experience in community development and Indigenous affairs to support the organisation's growth.
Simone Williams
Simone contributes to governance and program oversight, with a focus on ensuring initiatives remain community-led and culturally grounded.
Geraldine Hogarth
Geraldine brings a strong connection to community and cultural practice, helping to ensure that Nyunnga Ku's programs reflect the values and priorities of local First Nations families.
Bianca Corciulo
Bianca provides independent governance oversight and manages the corporation's administrative and secretarial functions, supporting accountability and compliance.
Janice Madariaga
Janice contributes to board deliberations with a focus on community wellbeing and the practical delivery of programs across Leonora and surrounding areas.
Regional Objectives
Nyunnga Ku's eight regional objectives define the scope and ambition of the organisation's work across the Northern Goldfields. They are the operational framework that guides program design, partnership development, and resource allocation.
Commercial Development & Economic Empowerment
Build sustainable commercial enterprises that generate revenue for the community, create employment, and reduce dependence on external funding over time.
Improve Social and Health Outcomes
Deliver integrated health and social services that address the specific needs of Northern Goldfields communities through culturally safe, place-based approaches.
Community-led Program Co-design
Ensure all programs are designed with and by community members. Co-design is not a consultation step — it is the foundation of the model.
Environmental Stewardship
Develop environmental monitoring and land management programs that combine scientific research with Traditional Owner knowledge, protecting Country for future generations.
Cultural Enterprise Development
Launch tourism ventures and commercial pathways rooted in cultural heritage — creating economic value that honours family legacy and builds community wealth.
Strengthen Strategic Partnerships
Maintain 5+ formal partnerships with institutions and industry leaders, and pursue joint funding applications to scale impact across the region.
Advocate through Signature Initiatives
Use the Annual Back to Country Camps and other signature programs as platforms for community advocacy, needs identification, and long-term impact measurement.
Establish Sustainable Commercial Enterprises
Develop bush medicine concepts, waste-to-energy pilots, and other social enterprises that create generational wealth and build the economic base of the community.
Leonora, Northern Goldfields
Nyunnga Ku is headquartered in Leonora, Western Australia — approximately 230km north of Kalgoorlie in the Northern Goldfields. The region is characterised by remote, dispersed communities with significant unmet need in health, education and employment.
The Hub model is designed specifically for this context: a place-based approach that acknowledges the geographic and cultural realities of the Northern Goldfields, and builds services around the communities that need them — rather than expecting communities to travel to services.
The Hub property at 38 Tower Street, Leonora, was purchased in 2025 with support from Indigenous Business Australia (IBA). Building approvals are underway, with Curtin University's School of Design and Built Environment contributing to the design of a culturally safe, sustainable facility.
Learn more about the Hub
The Regional Community Collective Hub is the central initiative — understand how it works.