Courtney Ugle
The birth of Waangkiny
Courtney Ugle, is a proud Ballardong/Wardandi Noongar woman from Bunbury Western Australia. Courtney Ugle was born into a family where domestic violence was normalized, a harsh reality that shaped her early years.
At just 11 years old, she experienced the devastating loss of her dad. Eight years later, tragedy struck again when her mother, was murdered at the age of 42.
These profound losses, coupled with the trauma of growing up in an environment of violence, left Courtney grappling with immense pain at a young age.
“Trauma ran in my family until it ran into me”
— Courtney Ugle
Despite the adversity, football became a lifeline. It was more than just a sport—it was a place of solace, healing, and empowerment. Through football, Courtney found not only an outlet for her grief but also the strength to rebuild her life.
It was the community she found on the field that helped her channel her pain into power- this was the seed that eventually grew into Waangkiny.
Waangkiny was founded for everyone. It is a space where stories are shared and healing begins, no matter who you are or where you come from. The name itself means "talking" in Courtney’s Noongar language, symbolizing the power of conversation and connection in creating positive change.
Waangkiny stands as a testament to the idea that pain can be transformed into strength and that everyone has the potential to rise above their challenges.
“This is a story of hope and big dreams.”
Courtney’s story is not about placing blame or bringing shame to her family. Instead, it aims to bring light to the truths that are often hidden in the shadows. She carries no shame in sharing her journey; while she loves her parents deeply, this is her story, and it’s one that deserves to be told.
Courtney believes deeply that "we are the warriors and the dreamers, and there are no limits to what we can achieve." Today, she works tirelessly to create safer communities, challenge social norms, and provide a voice for those who have been silenced.
Looking forward, she is committed to expanding her impact and ensuring that the pain she has experienced becomes a force for good—not just for herself, but for her community and generations to come.
