JANINE DUREAU (SHE/HER)
About Janine Dureau
Janine is a proud Nyikina and Bunuba woman who was born and raised in Derby. She is currently living on Yawuru Country and is the proud mother of two young men.
Janine’s professional experience includes over 30 years’ working in Aboriginal Affairs from State and Commonwealth governments, NGOs and Aboriginal organisations, from the local to national level. A deep strategic thinker and experienced strategist, Janine brings diverse experience in co-designing self-determination and cultural security strategies for Aboriginal people and communities.
Since 2018, Janine has volunteered her time to lead Kimberley Aboriginal women’s leadership gatherings to discuss gender justice, systems reform and self-determination through the eyes of Aboriginal women. Janine is a founding member of the KAWC and held the position as the Inaugural Chairperson since its establishment in 2021.
She is a strong advocate for structural and systemic reform to create opportunities for her people to self-determine their own destiny. Prior to the KAWC, she was integral in leading powerful campaigns including Stop the Forced Closures of Aboriginal Communities. She was also critical to the establishment of the Kimberley Aboriginal Children in Care Committee which contributed to the review and legislative changes of the Western Australian Children and Community Services Act 2004, and the investment in early intervention strategies to strengthen connection to family, culture and Country for Aboriginal children in care.
Janine is extremely passionate about succession planning and empowering emerging leaders by equipping them with the relevant tools and skills to have a seat at the table, and in 2023 was the recipient of the Bill Armstrong AO Human Rights Award. As CEO of the KAWC, she is excited and committed to creating pathway opportunities for our women and young girls to rise and shine.
Celebrating Janine: The impact of her work
“With this award we celebrate Janine Dureau’s extraordinary achievements and the significant impact she continues to make in advancing the lives of women, families, and communities across the Kimberley.
As the driving force behind the Kimberley Aboriginal Women’s Council (KAWC), Janine has turned her vision for gender justice and self-determination into a powerful movement that is creating lasting change.
Janine’s leadership has united hundreds of women and girls in advocating for systemic reform, self-determination, and healing. Her initiatives empower women and girls to become resilient leaders shaping their communities. We applaud her advocacy in influencing legislative reforms, developing action plans, and ensuring Aboriginal women’s voices lead the way in creating safer, more equitable communities.” Says General Manager of Women & Leadership Australia, Karen Surmon.