YAKA DANDJOO EVENTS

  • Yaka Dandjoo Events

    Yaka Dandjoo Events is a committee made up of agency and community representatives who deliver activities for the Aboriginal community of the Greater Bunbury region.

    The purpose of the group is to assist in the planning and coordinating of significant events being held in the Greater Bunbury area that celebrate Aboriginal people and culture

  • Beginnings

    Yaka Dandjoo Events means coming together in the Noongar language.

    The group was formed in early 2015 by Aboriginal women working in Health who felt the need to create a committee to access funds to deliver community events. Various small groups were applying for funding, and it felt very separated and competitive, they wanted to come together and connect. With similar events beginning in the community and limited funding, it was time to form the group. The group now have 30+ members.

  • Committee

    The committee is made up of representatives from both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community groups. Members include representatives from City of Bunbury, the South West Aboriginal Medical Service (SWAMS), Aboriginal Workforce Development Centre, Goomburrup Aboriginal Corporation, NEEDAC, Education sector, PCYC Bunbury, Department of Human Services, WA Country Health Services, WAITOC and Aboriginal Language Centre

  • Support

    Yaka Dandjoo is there to promote events around the community and support other communities around the greater Bunbury region.

    “The reconciliation process is one of the main focuses for us as this is something we need to come together and have a platform that allows us to create awareness of how we will build a better nation”

  • Events

    Their main two events are National Reconciliation Week, where the Reconciliation Bridge Week is gaining momentum and participating every year. The other is NAIDOC Week to celebrates everything Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people do in our nations. They are a volunteer group and rely on grant applications, sponsorship and donations, and Karen is very thankful to all who support them. Still, there is always space for more sponsors, donors/and philanthropists to come on board.

Bunbury Reconciliation Bridge Walk

Meet the Team

  • KAREN JETTA

    Karen is a Bindjareb, Wardandi Noongar woman with connections to Ballardong and Wilmen Country. Through her consultancy, BILYA Moorditjabiny Training Services, she works across prisons, schools, and community settings to develop Indigenous leadership and empower young people and adults. With extensive experience in education and training, Karen is passionate about mentoring the next generation and encouraging strong self-belief, particularly among young Aboriginal women.

  • SHARON COOKE

    Sharon is a Bindjareb, Wardandii Noongar woman with strong connections across many communities. She brings extensive experience as a Community Liaison Officer within the education sector and is skilled in public speaking, facilitation, community engagement, training, and staff development. Sharon holds a Bachelor of Arts in Primary Education with a major in Education and a minor in Aboriginal and Intercultural Studies from Edith Cowan University, along with a Certificate IV in Counselling (Mind, Body and Medicine). She is also a qualified Aboriginal Language Teacher of Noongar Language.

  • KELLI SCHMITT

    Kelli is a Wardandi Noongar woman with strong connections across many communities. She has experience in education as an Aboriginal Liaison Officer, working closely with students and staff to foster culturally safe and supportive learning environments. Kelli holds a Bachelor of Science in Coastal Environmental Science and has a strong connection to land and waters. She has served on numerous community committees and is the founder of Wardandi Media, where she focuses on sharing and celebrating positive stories and events within Aboriginal communities. Kelli is currently based in Darwin, where she works as an Indigenous Research Officer with CSIRO, supporting and working alongside remote communities across the Northern Territory.