Established in early 2022, the Voice of Hope Aboriginal Corporation is a not-for-profit entity registered with the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations and the Australian Charities Not-for-profits Commission.
The corporation assists incarcerated and formerly incarcerated Aboriginal women by:
> Cultural programs to assist connecting to culture, identity and family origins
> Addressing issues to reduce recidivism, domestic violence and addictions
> Access to counselling services
> Parenting support programs and family reunification
> Educational, vocational and networking programs
> Access to utilities and housing to address homelessness
Given the alarmingly high incarceration rates of Aboriginal women within the justice system, there is compelling evidence of the need for this dedicated service to support Aboriginal women.
Founder - Lorraine Pryor
Lorraine Pryor is a Whadjuk Noongar Woman with connections to Ballardong and Gnaala Karla Booja. A mother and grandmother, she is a passionate advocate and an important voice for local Aboriginal women, particularly those marginalised by society.
Seeking to serve the community, she founded the Voice of Hope in 2022 and now shares her lived experiences with other women who find themselves on the wrong side of WA’s justice system.
A survivor of domestic violence and substance abuse, Lorraine spent 7 years of her life in and out of incarceration. It is this experience that changed Lorraine’s life forever as she promised herself that she would never go down that path again.
Currently employed as a plant controller by BHP, Lorraine has enjoyed 10 years working with them and has been grateful for the opportunity to build her knowledge and qualifications.
She has successfully completed:
• The Women’s Indigenous Leadership Program Yorga Djenna Bidi;
• Certificate 4 in Mental Health, and receiving the Excellence Award for this course; and
• Diploma of Mental Health and being recognised with the Yvonne Burgu Award.
In 2022 Lorraine was acknowledged and recognised for service to the community and was awarded the BHP WAIO Indigenous Employee of the Year Award. She was further recognised as WA’s 2023 NAIDOC Community Person of the Year for her drive and passion in respect of her advocacy on behalf on women in the prison system.
Lorraine is a proud local voice and advocate for Aboriginal people. She is heavily involved in the local community and serves on committees for:
· The Waali – Kwopertok Yorga Alumni Working Group.
· Relationships Australia – Aboriginal Family Safety Project.
· The Ruah – Women’s Leadership Group.
· NAIDOC Perth Working Group Awards.
Lorraine also represents her community as an ambassador for the Uluru Statement of the Heart and dances with the Kwopertok Djookian female dance group.
Lorraine regularly addresses groups as a motivational speaker. Detailing the impact of the Stolen Generations and intergenerational trauma, Lorraine illustrates the continuing failure of Governments and essential services. Lorraine believes that the cost to the community in addressing underlying trauma and promoting the healing of Aboriginal women would be lower than continuing with the current strategy of incarcerating women.
Lorraine was a guest speaker at the 2024 National Indigenous Justice Forum held in Brisbane.
Programs Director –
Marie Pryor
A Whadjuk Ballardong Elder with ancestral ties to Gnaala Karla Booja, Marie Pryor is a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and descendent of the stolen generation.
Having worked in the community for forty years, both in the health and justice systems, Marie’s efforts are now focussed primarily on women prisons. Marie supports and advocates for Aboriginal women who are incarcerated, aiding their transition back into society, and assists in the presenting of cultural programs.
Throughout the Covid Pandemic, Marie worked with homeless mob in the city and was acknowledged with WA’s 2022 NAIDOC THEME award “Get up! Stand up! Show up!”
A valued member of the Anglican advisory committee, Marie Pryor is a member of the Langford Aboriginal Association, member of Cultural Advisory Committee for Ballardong, a member of Homeless Committee with Wungerning and a member of Nannas for Kids at Banksia Hill.
Financial Director –
Chantel Cawthorne
Chantel has a wealth of experience encompassing business management, accounting and financial markets.
She has a Bachelor of Commerce from Edith Cowan University, a Diploma in Accounting from TAFE WA, and is registered with the Tax Practitioners Board of WA.
With a background in the Financial Services industry, including working with Australia’s leading stockbroking and financial services company, Chantal has vast experience in dealing with Australian and international equities, financial planning and investments.
Homelessness Director –
Sepo Young
Sepo is CEO of Street Friends Homeless Foundation, a Perth based group helping to provide homeless people with warm provisions and toiletries.
She is a qualified Mental Health Clinician working in areas of children and adults suffering from various mental health, drug and alcohol conditions.
Sepo is a past City of Perth hero for her work with the homeless of Perth.
Director –
Jodie Wyatt
Jodie is a Yued Noongar experienced in Aboriginal leadership, policy and reconciliation.
She is head of Aboriginal engagements at St. Bart’s, a local group who provides accommodation and outreach services for those at risk of experiencing homelessness.
Jodie plays a pivotal role in carrying out the St.Bart’s Reconciliation and Action Plan (RAP), building stronger connections with our First Nation’s Community.
Cultural Director –
Karla Hart
Karla is a multi-award winning artist, filmmaker, actor, musician, performer, speaker and teacher who is passionate about sharing her Noongar heritage and culture as she is about shining a light on First Nation’s creativities.
She is Artistic Director of the hugely popular annual Wardarnji Festival attended by large numbers of people.
Karla is Principal of her own production company Karla Hart Productions.