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Allyson Walker

She saw ECHO as an opportunity to challenge herself, see value in herself. An opportunity to direct her focus and attention to a different trajectory.

Allyson Walker

Allyson Walker is a Yorta Yorta, Wemba Wemba, Gunditjmara and Taungurung woman with connections to other countries. She manages the Aboriginal Programs Team in Sport & Recreation Victoria. She trained as a nurse, before moving into community development work and has served as Chair of South Metropolitan Dhelk Dja Action Group.

What inspired you to apply?

I spoke to a previous recipient of the program. She said she would never had known her worth if she did not participate in the ECHO program. After over 2 decades in a job she moved on seeing value in herself. This spoke to me as I have been a part of so many projects that have achieved great things but I feel I still have not reached my full potential. I saw ECHO as an opportunity to challenge myself, see value in myself and I see this as an opportunity to direct my focus and attention to a different trajectory.

What has been the biggest take away message for you?

I came away inspired to be brave and make some decisions to change my thinking and get into some action. The program encouraged me to start developing my own leadership narrative, embracing my own uniqueness and values to ensure my voice is heard. And it made me think about doing an audit of my leadership skills and building on my strengths.

How has this program helped you pursue your career goals and aspirations?

Since participating in the program, I have started to revisit my aspirations and seeking financial freedom to work on what I want, when I want and on what I believe in. I have been making changes in our home and seeking alternative employment to support my goals. This has also had a positive impact on my family.

Read other participants’ experiences

Equality

Ange Jeffery

The ECHO Program inspired Ange to make the right decisions so she could keep working for an employer she loved while also pursuing her art practice.

Equality

Ellen Tunumafono

Thanks to ECHO, Ellen has taken on a new leadership role, applied her many new skills and connected with a strong network of ECHO alumni.

Equality

Indy Peters

Indy is Youth Co-ordinator at Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place (MMIGP). She organises culturally safe environments for Indigenous students to connect culturally and socially with each other.

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Leticia Searle

Leticia is Educational Program Lead at Foodbank Victoria. She is committed to creating sustainable, collaborative programs that build capacity and provide opportunities for individuals to thrive.

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Mel Peters

The ECHO Program taught Mel to know her worth and empowered her to seek out a workplace where she could be better supported to grow into a senior leadership role.

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Vicky Peters

Since completing the ECHO Program, Vicky has found a clearer vision of herself as a leader and a strategic path to pursue her leadership aspirations.

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ECHO First Nations Women’s Leadership Program

The Elevating Connections and Healing Ourselves program is open to First Nations women in Victoria. ECHO provides a culturally appropriate and safe space to build on participants’ leadership roles.

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Department of Families, Fairness and Housing

Equality

Updated 12 January 2026

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