This photograph shows a busy room full of people there to celebrate Ember Connect's launch
A full house for Ember Connect's Launch

Ember Connect is LIVE!

Our online living, breathing meeting place finally launched on Friday 8 July following an incredible morning celebration of smart conversation, dancing, laughter, amazing food and a special guest like no other.

Proceedings started with a Welcome to Country by Whadjuk Noongar Elder Sandra Harben.

This was followed by speeches by Narelle Henry, Ember Connect General Manager, and Eve Howell, the charity’s Board Chair.

Dancing group Djookan Keeninyirra performed two dances – the second of which Narelle Henry joined, her corporate wear and traditional make up perfectly illustrating “walking in two worlds”.

Dancing group Djookan Keeninyirra perform
Dancing group Djookan Keeninyirra

Finally, we were treated to a smart, funny and insightful Q&A featuring media star and Noongar woman Narelda Jacobs.

Media star and Noongar woman Narelda Jacobs takes the stage
Narelda Jacobs takes the stage

Thanks to the following people and organisations that helped get Ember Connect on our journey to bring our vision to life:

Lotterywest
A foundation funder of Ember Connect, their support has been critical to us being able to launch this project.

Wesfarmers
One of our early funders, we look forward to continuing to partner with them.

The Feilman Foundation
An early supporter of the project, their  commitment is appreciated.

The McLean Foundation
We are grateful and excited by their three year commitment to support our work.

Bennett 
Amy Rumble and Rachel Ross have been providing pro-bono legal advice from day one.

Anthologie
Amy Sutton and her team were behind the development of our exciting brand. Their passion and expertise, and their ability to connect with our women, has produced an amazing result for the charity.

GT Communications
Gemma Tognini and her team has helped us to develop our messaging and communications.

Swinburne University
We are incredibly excited about the potential impact that our three year research project will have on our community.  We’re also grateful for the support of Curtin University and the Batchelor Institute for their role in the research project. 

Rio Tinto’s funding in 2021 supported the early stages of this project and we are grateful for that commitment.

Thank you to our Board Members: Eve Howell, Irene Stainton, Jenny Bryant, Marilyn Morgan, Dr Michelle Ellis and Susan Chew who have help to guide the project.  Learn about our Board Members here.

Are you an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander woman over 18? Join the movement.

Interested in becoming an Ember Connect mentor? Sign up here.


Ember Connect wishes to acknowledge the many Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and we honour their deep continuing connection to land, sky, waterways and community.

We pay our respects to our Elders past, present and emerging who illuminate our journey to truth-telling, culture and conservation, which remains stronger than ever.