BEING a role model to her children and promoting Noongar culture are fundamental aspects of Rishelle Hume’s ethos.
The Butler resident is a finalist for the 2016 Western Australian of the Year Awards, one of two in the aboriginal category.
The nomination recognises how Ms Hume has devoted her working life to the advancement of aboriginal people and Noongar culture, and her involvement in several organisations.
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Ms Hume said she strived to be a role model to her three children – Dakota (8) and twins Indianna and Jackson (4) – and inspire them to be anything they wanted.
“I do take them to board meetings with me,” she said.
“It’s just getting them involved; building that good ethics and being a role model.”
Born in Subiaco, Ms Hume has traditional ties to the Whadjuk, Ballardong and Gnaala Karla Booja peoples.
Her grandfather, elder Patrick Hume, spent his life promoting aboriginal rights and Noongar culture until he died last year, aged 88.
“My role now that my grandfather passed away 10 months ago is to continue his legacy and ensure aboriginal people are heard,” she said.
The senior aboriginal employment consultant for Chevron, Ms Hume has more than 20 years’ experience in aboriginal engagement ranging from employment, education, justice and health.
Nominator Yvette Carolin said Ms Hume had spent most of her career working for her people.
“As an aboriginal woman working in the indigenous mining sector, her work does not end at the normal close of business hours,” she said.
“Rishelle successfully juggles her responsibility as a mother, a full-time worker and as an aboriginal leader.
“Rishelle has inspired many other women, not just indigenous, to create a life balance to achieve their personal and career goals and to manage family responsibilities.”
Leadership WA chief executive Robin McLellan said throughout 2015 Ms Hume and Robyn Smith-Walley worked with the organisation to develop and implement a leadership program for aboriginal women.
“Rishelle has, and continues to give freely of her time and her knowledge, championing for opportunities for aboriginal women,” she said.
“Her professional and personal contributions to the WA community providing a bright beacon of light for aboriginal women who aspire to be the best they can be.”
Ms Hume is one of 20 finalists across seven categories in the 43rd 2016 Western Australian of the Year Awards.
Celebrate WA will announce winners at the start of the WA Day long weekend on June 3.
2016 Western Australian of the Year Awards finalists:
Aboriginal: Rishelle Hume, Denise Smith-Ali
Arts and Culture: Amber Hasler, Warwick Hemsley, Jennifer Simpson
Business: Alan Cransberg, Adrian Fini, Chris Taylor
Community: Lynne Bradshaw, Norman Hammond, John van Bockxmeer
Professions: Bill Bunbury, Arlene Chan, Stephen Wilton
Sport: Caitlin Bassett, David Carr, Nathan Fyfe
Youth: Scott Corbett, Ashley Harrison, Nicholas Maissey