A shared commitment to Kimberley children
In the remote communities of the Kimberley, children grow up surrounded by strong culture, deep connection to Country and proud family networks. However, distance and limited access to services can create challenges in areas like early childhood education and family support. Addressing these challenges requires long-term partnerships grounded in trust, respect and local leadership.
That’s why Save the Children has partnered with Pearls of Australia.
A deep connection to Cygnet Bay and the Kimberley
Pearls of Australia’s story is closely tied to the Kimberley through Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm on the Dampier Peninsula. Over time, the business has built a strong relationship with the region, its environment, its history and its communities.
This connection is part of an ongoing commitment to engaging with and supporting the people who live and work in the region, and to recognising the importance of Country and culture in shaping sustainable futures.
A partnership built on shared values
The partnership between Pearls of Australia and Save the Children grew from these long-standing local relationships and a shared belief in creating better opportunities for children.
Together, both organisations are committed to strengthening communities and investing in solutions that are led locally. Pearls of Australia CEO James Brown, also a Save the Children Ambassador, is passionate about ensuring children in neighbouring Dampier Peninsula communities have access to the same opportunities as others across Australia.
Turning craft into impact
At the heart of the partnership is an exclusive jewellery collection featuring Cygnet Bay Mabe pearls. 20% of the proceeds from the collection goes directly to supporting the Woombooriny Amboon Angarriiya Partnership Initiative (WAAPI) – a First Nations-led project across the Dampier Peninsula. WAAPI focuses on empowering families, strengthening leadership and improving outcomes for children and young people in the region.
It is built on an Indigenous governance model that ensures decisions are made by community, for community, and reflecting local priorities and cultural knowledge. A key strength of WAAPI lies in its Community Navigators – locally employed Aboriginal leaders who guide social planning, connect families with services, and ensure community priorities remain central. WAAPI also shares learnings from this highly innovative, award-winning initiative with Aboriginal led organisations across the country.
Why local leadership matters
Programs designed and led by local communities are more effective because they are grounded in lived experience and cultural understanding. Through WAAPI, families, elders and young people contribute directly to shaping the services and support they receive.
Community Navigators work closely with families to gather insights, identify priorities and co-design solutions, ensuring approaches are relevant, trusted and responsive.
Investing in strong futures
WAAPI demonstrates the power of First Nations-led decision-making, where communities come together to set their own direction and build stronger futures for their children.
Through this partnership, Pearls of Australia and Save the Children are helping to support this work – transforming connection, culture and collaboration into real opportunities for children across the Kimberley.