Lead image: Pathways to Politics Queensland cohort 2025
The second Pathways to Politics for Women program in Western Australia has wrapped up a week-long intensive that was inspiring, thought-provoking, and full of hope for WA’s political future.
The program brought together participants from diverse political backgrounds and regions for a week of panels, workshops and training designed to equip them with the practical skills, networks and confidence to step into political life.
Over the week, guest speakers spanning the political spectrum shared candidly about their own political journeys, gifting practical insights and tools to our participants.
Program Manager Clare Feenan emphasised that the true magic of the program came from the participants themselves:
“Twenty-one women from across the political spectrum, with different lived experiences, ambitions across all levels of government, and united by a hunger for change and a willingness to show up.”
“They’ve forged bonds, lifted one another up, and created a tribe that will carry them forward,” she said.
The week concluded with participants delivering stump speeches in the WA Parliament, with guest judges the Hon Mia Davies, Hon Liza Harvey OAM, and Hon Dr Katrina Stratton MLC.
Closing the program, Clare reminded participants that this was not the end but the beginning:
“Our participants leave not only with skills and knowledge, but as part of a national network committed to making politics more inclusive, more collaborative, and more reflective of the communities it serves.”
Speeches in Parliament
The 2025 program featured:
- Making the most of the program with alum panellists Cr Jenna Denton, Hon Amanda Dorn MLC, and Hayley Edwards
- Political vision and Values with Cr Lynn MacLaren
- Making the decision to run with Sandra Brewer MLA, Kate Hulett, and Kirrilee Warr
- Local government pathways with Cr Karen Chappel AM JP
- Party Machines and Mock preselection workshop with Hon Mia Davies, Hon Liza Harvey OAM, Lorna Harper, and Hon Sophie McNeill MLC
- Speechwriting workshops with Nyree Slatter
- Policymaking and Stakeholder Engagement with Carol Adams OAM, Linda Reynolds CSC, and Rachel Siewert
- Working with community with Hon Julie Freeman MLC, Cr Shen Sekhon, and Margaret Quirk
- Campaigning with Nathalie Bergon, Cr Sophie Greer, and Renée McLennan
- Resilience & integrity with Assoc. Prof. Kristin Gainey
- Media Training with James Lush
“It was simply the most wonderful week. So much learnt, and so much gained. I am grateful for the sharing of invaluable wisdom from incredible politicians, and for the opportunity to connect with such an inspiring cohort. The sense of community, generosity, and learning will stay with me for a very long time.”
– Emma Buitendag, 2025 participant
“This program was a game-changer – it empowered me to lead with authenticity, connect with trailblazing women, and envision a future where First Nations leadership is front and centre in Australian politics.”
– Dr Rishelle Hume AM, 2025 participant
Cohort and special guests
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