By Fiona Boyle, Kooyoora CEO

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse brought national attention to issues of abuse, power and accountability within institutions. For many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, these findings reflected long‑standing experiences of harm, silencing and exclusion from decision‑making. This piece explores how historical and ongoing power imbalances continue to affect trust in institutions, and why listening to First Nations voices is essential to building safer, more accountable systems.

By Fiona Boyle, Kooyoora CEO

National Reconciliation Week invites all Australians to reflect honestly on past and present harms, and on our shared responsibility for change. Reconciliation is inseparable from our purpose. Our work exists because institutions sometimes failed to listen, failed to act, and failed to protect people from harm. This reflection explores how reconciliation challenges us to examine power, centre voices that have been historically excluded, and ensure our work is experienced as fair, culturally safe and worthy of trust, recognising that this commitment requires ongoing humility, accountability and care.

Kooyoora CEO Fiona Boyle sat down with the Deadly Grannies on Dja Dja Wurrung Country to reflect on their experience of the 2025 Provincial Walkabout. In a conversation marked by honesty, warmth, grief and humour, they shared what it means to learn on Country, listen deeply and walk together through truth-telling, connection and community.

In this interview Kooyoora CEO Fiona Boyle speaks with Indigenous Anglican Bishop, Bishop Chris Macleod about reconciliation in practice, and the role leadership, accountability and respect play in building safe organisational cultures.

Kooyoora has achieved full accreditation under the QIC Health and Community Services Standards (7th Edition v1.1, 2024), following assessment by Quality Innovation Performance Limited (QIP). This important milestone provides independent recognition that Kooyoora meets nationally recognised standards and reflects a strong focus on quality, accountability and continuous improvement in how services are delivered.

We are pleased to share Kooyoora’s 2025 Annual Report. We invite you to download and read the full report to learn more about our work, impact and priorities for the year ahead.

Kooyoora Team Spotlight – Get to know the people behind our work as they share insights into their roles, interests, and some fun facts. Meet Marcella.

Tell us a little about your role at Kooyoora.

Currently I work as a casual helping the admin team with whatever needs doing, updating the website and any other projects.  For the first 7 years of Kooyoora’s existence I was Administration Manager being heavily involved in the clearance processes and the development of OSCA the Online Screening system.

What inspired you to work at Kooyoora?

I have been at Kooyoora since its inception in 2017. Following the Royal Commission into Institutional Child Sexual Abuse I was keen to work for an organisation that helped other organisations become child safe to ensure such atrocities could never happen again. Working at Kooyoora has enabled me to do this. 

What do you like most about working at Kooyoora?

I love working with the team at Kooyoora.  We are all passionate about the work we do.  The team has come from a variety of disciplines which enables us to learn from each other, grow together and work collaboratively to provide better service to our client organisations.

What does a typical day ‘in the office’ look like?

A typical day involves catching up with the team re what has been happening, checking and responding to emails from team members and clients then working on whatever projects are in progress.

What is a hobby or interest you have outside of work?

I love sport, particularly golf.  I play a couple of times per week although don’t seem to be getting much better!  It’s a very humbling sport!

What’s your favourite way to spend a weekend?

I love spending time with my family, going to the beach and being active whether that be golfing, bike riding, walking or going to the gym.

Coffee or tea (or neither)?

Neither – have never liked them!

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Friendly, positive and loyal.

What’s the best place you’ve ever travelled to? Why?

The best place I have ever travelled to would be Olu Deniz in Turkey.  Magnificent beach, beautiful weather and great bars.  That was 40 years ago though so I am sure it has changed since then!

Do you have any hidden talents?

I am pretty good at answering the questions on the 1% club TV show!

What’s a fun fact about you?

I am probably happier in water than on land – I love a swim!

Cat or dog (or neither)?

Dog.

Would you rather sing karaoke (solo) or be part of a choir?

Depends how many drinks I have had!  I have been known to sing karaoke on occasion but also enjoy being part of a choir. 

Do you have a favourite quote or motto you live by?

Treat others the way you would want them to treat you.