Tony Cudmore’s Jawun Experience

In August 2022, seven of our senior leaders and executives visited regions in Western Australia and the Central Desert to participate in the Jawun Executive Immersion Program.  

Executive Vice President Strategy and Climate Tony Cudmore travelled to the West Kimberley to participate in a three-day immersion. Joining Tony in the West Kimberley program were Woodsiders’ Libby Hewton (VP Treasury) and Kimberly Walpot (GM Browse Integration), local Indigenous community members and leaders, and Jawun representatives.  

As part of the program, Fiona Hick (EVP Australian Operations), Linda Lim (Business Integration Lead) and Jason Crusan (VP New Energy Solutions) visited the East Kimberley and Yvette Manolas (GM Climate) visited the Central Desert.  

Tony’s immersion has left a lasting impression. 

“It was an incredible experience and one I’m very grateful for. To witness the passion, vision, and depth of knowledge of the West Kimberley Indigenous community and leaders was amazing. It was very clear the community and organisations have strong values and passionate leaders striving for a bright future,” he said. 

The executive program also provides an opportunity for leaders to understand even more deeply the challenges and opportunities facing regional Indigenous organisations.   

“It has left me with a deeper insight and appreciation of the community – including some of the challenges they face and the passion and drive they have for the next generation,” he said.  

Tony is a proud supporter of Woodsiders participating in Jawun.   

“I encourage Woodsiders to consider a Jawun secondment,” he said.  

“The value of Jawun is very clear – supporting communities, personal development and growth, deeper insights and inspiration for both Woodside and local organisations and leaders, just to name a few,” he said.  

“This year marks the 11th year of our partnership. I’m very proud of our past secondees who have participated and represented Woodside. It’s experiences like this that help deepen the relationships between Woodside and the organisations participating in the program,” he said.  

So, what’s next for the Woodside Jawun program?   

“The team are always looking for opportunities to grow and develop the partnership so watch this space,” he said.  

Woodside has partnered with Jawun, which means ‘friend’ or ‘family’, since 2011. Jawun is a not-for-profit organisation committed to building local capacity of Indigenous organisations and leaders including through a 6-week secondment or executive immersion program.