Nirmunburr and Yawuru woman Kae Cox among three young Kimberley leaders in running for Miss NAIDOC Perth

A young Kimberley woman is turning her dreams into reality after making the finals of a leadership program designed to empower young women. Kae Cox, 22, is a finalist in the 2021 Miss NAIDOC Perth, a program aimed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women from 18-30. Ms Cox grew up in La-Djardarr Bay and has connections to the Nirmunburr and the Yawuru people. After attending primary school in Beagle Bay, she moved to Broome for a year before attending high school in Perth. Ms Cox said the program encouraged her to look deeper within herself. “I discovered who I am as an individual and what my true purpose is,” she said. “It has definitely brought me out of my shell, allowed me to become more confident, and to truly realise why I am doing what I’m doing.” Ms Cox said she decided to participate in Miss NAIDOC to show appreciation for her elders and to give back to the community. “They are the ones who have opened the doors to us and to all the fantastic opportunities we have today,” she said. “They are my ‘why’, why I want to be a role model to all of my Aboriginal people.” As the second-eldest of 16 grandchildren and the eldest of three children, Ms Cox has always felt the need to lead by example. In her final year of university, she is close to completing her Bachelor of Nursing degree. “Mental health is a major issue in our community and I want to give back to my people to show them ... people do care,” she said. “I would also love to do midwifery and one day use my skills within more remote communities. “There are always going to be setbacks and times where you’re not going to feel like you’re good enough, but it’s up to you to push through those hard times. “You are truly the creator of your own reality, so be the generation that breaks through toxic cycles and prove to the world who you want to be.” Nyul Nyul descendent Tiarna Wynne also made the finals along with Nyul Nyul and Yawuru woman Skye Lockyer. Last year Katelan Stack, 24, won Miss NAIDOC Perth 2020. The 2021 crowning will take place at Crown Perth on July 10.