Mini vic.gov.au

This is a low bandwidth version of vic.gov.au. Contents may not be up to date. © Copyright State Government of Victoria

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.

Vicky Peters, ECHO First Nations Women’s Leadership Program participant

Vicky is a proud Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta woman who works as Director of Indigenous Engagement at Swinburne University. She is responsible for developing and overseeing high-impact programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing Indigenous employment, philanthropy, and procurement.

What inspired you to apply?

As an Aboriginal woman, I recognise the need for a program that addresses the unique challenges faced by First Nations women. I have found the ECHO Program to be an exceptionally well-suited initiative. It is firmly rooted in cultural values, offering a strong focus on personal growth and well-being to foster resilience.

What has been the biggest take away message for you?

Essential elements such as empowerment, self-determination, and the preservation of Indigenous culture. These facets are integral to effective Indigenous leadership and make ECHO an invaluable resource for First Nations women seeking to navigate and excel within leadership roles.

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

My confidence has increased in such a profound way. I have not only gained a clearer vision of myself as a leader, I have a strategic plan to get there. This transformative program has yielded tangible results as I have recently been promoted to Director of Indigenous Engagement and I have secured the Jo Fisher Future Board Scholarship.

Read other participants’ experiences

Equality

Allyson Walker

Allyson Walker is a Yorta Yorta, Wemba Wemba, Gunditjmara and Taungurung woman with connections to other countries. She trained as a nurse, before moving into community development work.

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.

Equality

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.

Equality

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.

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.

Follow along on social channels

Share in the stories of inspirational Victorian women via DFFH’s social media channels.

Department of Families, Fairness and Housing

Equality

Updated 12 January 2026

About the VIC Government

Grants and programs

Jobs and careers

Arts, culture and heritage

Business and the workplace

Communities

Education and training

Environment, water and energy

Finance and economy

Health and social support

Housing and property

Law and justice

Safety and emergencies

Science and technology

Sport and recreation

Traffic and transport

Working in the Victorian Government