PAULA CZARNECKA: LEADING CHANGE FOR THE YINDJIBARNDI NATION
The new Chief Operating Officer of the Yindjibarndi Nation, Paula Czarnecka, comes from a unique background that initially led her to this critical position. With 15 years of experience in the resources industry, Paula found a position where she could utilize her skills and abilities to provide for and give back to the community. “There was always something missing, which was the ability to give back to the community,” she shared. Paula feels very fortunate to be in a position where she can support the indigenous community while still applying her expertise, though her path to the Yindjibarri Nation was unconventional.
During a personal visit to the Pilbara, Paula had the opportunity to meet with elders from the Ngarlama and Yindjibarndi communities.” They spoke bout the culture and told stories about the region's dark history, and it deeply affected me,” she said. The encounter ignited her desire to contribute meaningfully to indigenous communities, recognising the importance of the voices being heard. Ultimately, this led her to relocate to the Pilbara, where she currently holds her role.
Paula's ambition for the Yindjibarndi Nation is clear. She aims to build an organisation that will serve as a true enabler for the community, mainly focusing on emerging future leaders. “My main ambition for the Yindjibarndi Nation is to make it an ultimate enabler for the community”, Paula explained. She hopes indigenous leadership will be supported and thrive in the future, with indigenous people filling roles at every level of the organisation, ensuring sustainable growth and empowerment for future generations.
Living in the Pilbara has brought immense personal growth. “Every day, there is some kind of new learning experience that I reflect on at the end of the day,” she said. Paula cherishes the opportunity to connect with the land and its people, recognising the constant flow of new experiences that transformed her journey personally and professionally.