Raylene Cooper is a proud Yamatji woman from the Mid-West Region who is passionate about her culture and country. Raylene has cultural connections to the Nyoongah and Gidja people and is married to a local Aboriginal man from Kalgoorlie-Boulder and has lived in the Goldfields region for approximately 44 years.
Within the Goldfields region, Raylene is recognised as a well-respected leader in her community having been part of various working parties to address issues that affect the local Aboriginal people of Kalgoorlie-Boulder (health, education, employment, social issues etc).
Raylene has worked extensively in government and non-government organisations in roles such as an experienced Coordinator, Senior Aboriginal Mental Health Worker, Aboriginal Practice Leader, Director, Manager, Supervisor, Facilitator and Counsellor and has seen first-hand the diverse issues that Aboriginal people face, and it is quite evident the relationship that social disadvantage plays in Aboriginal people’s well-being.
Raylene’s strengths include the ability to mediate, negotiate and resolve conflicts that often occur between the interests of government and the wishes of clients so that we improve outcomes for vulnerable people in need. Raylene’s comprehensive and transparent approach assists her in providing positive solutions when working in partnership with stakeholders.
Raylene develops, delivers and provides advice on culturally appropriate and quality strategies and services through various working parties to identify local solutions, respond to the challenges associated with delivering programs that affect local Aboriginal issues and provide solutions to lead to better outcomes. Raylene maintains a collaborative approach to identify and prevent people from falling through the gaps and to create pathways for Aboriginal people to access better services for Aboriginal people.
Raylene currently works as a A/g Coordinator with WA Country Health Services, Community Mental Health Services, Goldfields and previously has worked with the Department of Child Protection.
When Raylene is not working she spends time with her family who keep her happy, grounded and focused on life. Raylene also coordinates and volunteer with community events such as NAIDOC Week, Annual Football Carnival, Annual Dart Carnival.
Raylene is very passionate about creating a better future for Aboriginal people in ensuring that their voices are heard and supported in an environment where they can grow to their full potential.