Rainbow Futures WA is proud to announce the appointment of Tanesha Bennell as its new Aboriginal Community Organiser, a pioneering role created through an innovative partnership with Edith Cowan University (ECU) and WAAC.
This groundbreaking initiative combines Rainbow Futures WA’s advocacy expertise, ECU’s research capabilities through Kurongkurl Katitjin, and WAAC’s health and LGBTIQA+ service delivery experience to address the unique needs of Aboriginal LGBTIQA+ community members across Western Australia.
About the Role
In the role of Aboriginal Community Organiser, established to implement the Walkern Katatdjin Roadmap Report recommendations, Tanesha will focus on:
- Increasing visibility for Aboriginal LGBTIQA+ people in policy development
- Improving cultural safety within LGBTIQA+ services and organisations
- Enhancing the capacity of Aboriginal organisations to support LGBTIQA+ community members
- Developing culturally appropriate resources, support materials, and events
- Establishing sustainable consultation mechanisms for ongoing community engagement
Tanesha, a proud Noongar woman, brings extensive experience in community engagement, advocacy, and cultural leadership. They said:
“This role is about ensuring Aboriginal LGBTIQA+ voices are heard, valued, and at the centre of decisions that affect our lives. I’m looking forward to building stronger connections and creating spaces where mob feel safe to be their whole selves.”
Rainbow Futures WA CEO Dr Misty Farquhar OAM added:
“We’re thrilled to welcome Tanesha to the team. Their leadership will be invaluable as we embed the Walkern Katatdjin Roadmap Report findings into our work. Our sector has much to learn from the wisdom and lived experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQIA+ people, and we are committed to supporting meaningful, community-led change.”
Partnership Impact
This collaboration represents a significant step forward in addressing the intersection of Indigenous and LGBTIQA+ identities in Western Australia. By leveraging the unique strengths of each partner, the initiative aims to drive meaningful change for some of the community’s most marginalised and underrepresented members.
Professor Bep Uink, Director of Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet within Kurongkurl Katitjin at ECU, confirmed the university’s commitment to this vital work, with funding support provided through the ECU Foundation.
WAAC CEO Dr Daniel Vujcich said:
“Inclusion is not complete until First Nations people are fully included. Centring First Nations LGBTIQA+ voices and experiences strengthens our work, deepens our understanding of community, and challenges us to decolonise our own assumptions, practices, and approaches to inclusion, so that our services are genuinely equitable, respectful, and representative.”
About Tanesha Bennell
Tanesha Bennell (they/she) is a Bibulmun Noongar advocate, people weaver, and storyteller. Working primarily in the not-for-profit and advocacy space, they seek to create spaces that cater to all intersectional identities – centred around accessibility, security, and inclusivity. As a Queer First Nations person, LGBTQIA+ inclusion within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander spaces is a huge priority for them. This has shaped their work with Boorloo Justice and, more recently, their collaboration with The Rechabite for Ngalak Nidja Bilya.
About the Partners
Rainbow Futures WA is the peak body for LGBTIQA+ advocacy, policy, and community development in Western Australia.
Edith Cowan University’s Kurongkurl Katitjin is committed to Aboriginal research excellence and community engagement.
WAAC is Western Australia’s leading LGBTIQA+ health organisation, providing specialised health services and community programs.
