Shanine Ryan, a proud Ngarluma woman with connections to Yindjibarndi and other Pilbara language groups, has a strong corporate background, particularly from her thirteen years at Woodside, where she advocated for Inclusion and Diversity, with a focus on Indigenous representation and gender equity in the oil and gas workforce. Her inclusive approach emphasises personalised solutions and flexibility, along with improvements in apprentice training and employment benefits.

 

Currently, as Regional Director Pilbara for the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, Shanine focuses on stakeholder engagement, education, and awareness of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (AHA) and the protection of Aboriginal heritage in the Pilbara.  Her early work in the not-for-profit sector equipped her with the skills to empower others, and she has extensive experience across various industries, including tourism.

 

As Chairperson of the Empowering People in Communities board since 2022, Shanine is dedicated to the inclusion of all people in communities, promoting social justice, cultural awareness, and empowerment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Western Australia, actively addressing systemic inequalities and advocating for meaningful change.