A new cohort of First Nations employees from across Woodside Energy has completed the Cape York Institute Leadership Academy's (CYILA) Indigenous Leadership Development Program (ILDP), marking the third year of the partnership.
When the group first came together at Kaarta Koomba (Kings Park) in Boorloo (Perth) in July, they brought different experiences, perspectives and ideas about what it means to be a leader.
Over the months that followed, they got to know themselves and one another a little better.
This year's cohort included 18 employees from across Woodside's operations, human resources, legal and corporate teams, each bringing their own skills and experience to the program.
With the latest group completing the program, a total of 52 First Nations employees have now taken part since the partnership began in 2024.
For Ashton Hardstaff, the opening workshop reinforced the value of recognising the strengths of those around her.
"When we bring our strengths together, we can achieve really good outcomes," she said.
Delivered across three workshops on Whadjuk Noongar Country, the program followed the themes of Lead Self, Lead Team and Lead Change.
Participants began by looking at their own values and cultural strengths before turning their attention to working with others, supporting their teams and recognising different approaches to leadership.
By the final workshop, the focus had shifted towards putting those lessons into practice and how participants could lead positive change in their workplaces and communities.
The group also heard from Woodside's North West Shelf Offshore Asset Manager Ben Brydson, South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council CEO Vanessa Kickett and Cape York Institute for Policy and Leadership CEO Kirsty Davis, who shared insights from their own leadership journeys.
For Danielle Kickett, the experience changed the way she thought about her own leadership, helping her recognise the value of qualities she already possessed.
"I actually like the traits I have as a relationship builder. And I think that they're very important to me as a leader," she said.
It's actually changed my whole mindset as to how I want to be as a leader.
Danielle Kickett
The Academy first partnered with Woodside in 2024 to deliver its inaugural corporate Indigenous leadership program, before welcoming a second cohort in 2025.
Among those inaugural participants was Daniel Hamilton, who has since stepped into a team leader role.
Returning to speak with the 2025 cohort, Daniel described the program as a "turning point" in his leadership journey.
"I'm a team leader now. It's been a big step for me," he said.
"If I didn't do this program last year, I don't think I would have had the courage to step into a role like this. I saw the opportunity and felt empowered by the program."
For Cape York Institute Head of Partnerships and Strategy Jim Davis, seeing participants recognise their existing leadership qualities remains one of the most rewarding parts of the program.
"Their culture, experiences and the way they support one another are all things to be proud of. We want every participant to walk away feeling more confident in who they are, what they have to offer and the difference they can make in their workplaces and communities."
Beyond individual development, the program also recognises the importance of First Nations leadership and the perspectives it can bring to workplaces and communities.
Shaped by culture and lived experience, First Nations leaders can offer different approaches to challenges and decision-making, while their presence in leadership roles can encourage others to recognise what is possible for themselves.
For the 2026 cohort, completing the final workshop marks the next step in their leadership journeys as they take what they have learnt back into their everyday lives.
Whether that means stepping into a new role, supporting a colleague or contributing to their communities, participants now have new connections and practical skills to draw on.
And as they continue to grow as leaders, they have an opportunity to set an example for others who may be considering taking that next step themselves.
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