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PreventX 2024
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Courtney Ugle (she/her)

Community Engagement Facilitator - Djirra

Professional Bio

Courtney Ugle's life and career embody resilience, leadership, and advocacy, showcasing her remarkable journey from adversity to influence. A proud Noongar woman from Bunbury, Western Australia, Courtney has faced unimaginable challenges, including the tragic loss of both parents. Despite these hardships, she has harnessed football as a transformative power in her life, excelling on the field for the Essendon Bombers and making significant contributions off the field.
  
 Courtney has held numerous leadership roles at the Bombers, becoming the first Indigenous female captain and playing an instrumental role in developing and supporting the club's First Nations Women’s Pathway Program. This initiative aims to support women and girls on their journey toward playing footy at a VFLW or AFLW level, both on and off the field, demonstrating her commitment to paving the way for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in sports and beyond.
  
 She has experienced all the highs and lows at the Bombers, from finishing last to becoming undefeated premiers. Courtney is very proud of what she has achieved with the club. After six years in red and black, 2024 will see her wearing the colours of the Western Bulldogs, continuing her football journey.
  
 Off the field, Courtney's leadership extends to speaking out and raising awareness about domestic violence, sharing her personal experiences to advocate for change. She has recently started her own business and works part-time for herself, emerging as a spokesperson for domestic violence, resilience and what it’s like to be a cycle breaker, where she delivers speaking engagements across the country.
  
 Courtney also works part-time in the community for Djirra, an Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention Service, where she coordinates and delivers Young Luv, an early intervention and prevention workshop promoting healthy relationships for Aboriginal young girls and women.
  
 Courtney’s story is one of triumph over adversity, highlighting the importance of support networks, the strength found in community, and how sports serve as a powerful vehicle for creating positive life changes.