Articles and online media

Western Bulldogs footballer Courtney Ugle becomes face of South West Aboriginal Women's Collective

Her grandmother was part of the Stolen Generation, she lost her father to suicide at a young age and later her mother to domestic violence. Now, the Noongar sports star is trying to break that cycle, returning home to South West WA less than a month after playing in the VFLW Grand Final to tell her story to the next generation.

Future Women

“I didn’t really know what that meant. All I knew is that I didn’t have a dad anymore.” As a child she grew up in a family surrounded by love. It was also a family that experienced family violence fuelled by alcohol addiction. She shared that her parents separated when she was young, so has no fond memories of them being together. But, despite the turmoil, there was always love. “I came from love and I’m constantly reminded of that,” she said.

The West Australian

Through all the trauma, one of Ms Ugle’s key messages was the vital role played by ordinary people in helping her family cope with the hardship. They included a friend Ms Websdale made at a local park who helped facilitate her escape from a violent household and the anonymous benefactor who paid the $400 in fees required to allow Ms Ugle to graduate from high school. (video included)

SBS Courtney lost her mum to domestic violence. Now she's an anti-violence educator for young Blak women

"Djirra was my first job here, a Blak organisation [that] welcomed me with open arms and took me under their wings.” “My work is driven by a deep, personal commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others, particularly within my community."

TripleJ Hack

She’s one of at least 1000 children and young people who have lost a parent in this way. Courtney’s now an educator and advocate against domestic violence, and uses her platform to break down stigma and silence. (video included)

Senate Inquiry into Murdered and missing First Nations women and children

In addition to our specialist evidence, we were proud to stand alongside two incredibly brave Djirra women Young Luv Lead Courtney Ugle and Cultural Programs Design and Facilitation Lead Kirby Bentley as they told Senators about their own lived experiences of violence and the heartbreaking loss of their much-loved family members.

ABC News: Courtney's mum was murdered in a domestic violence homicide

Courtney is one of more than 1,000 children and young people living in Australia who have lost a parent to domestic violence-related homicide, according to research from Melbourne University.

Major appearances

VOGUE: "Football saved my life:"

VFLW star Courtney Ugle on creating opportunities for First Nations women. Football is sacred to Courtney Ugle. It allowed her to move through the world differently. "This game gave me an opportunity to change my life," says Ugle, a star player on the Essendon Bombers VFLW team, a league that feeds into the AFLW.

Daily Telegraph: Ugle’s home triumph after domestic violence horror

As a child she drank instant coffee to fend off starvation. Now, VFLW star midfielder Courtney Ugle celebrates her home life seven years on from the tragic death of her mother.

Noongar Woman & Essendon VFLW Star Courtney Ugle Tells Us How Footy Has Helped Her Heal

For proud Noongar woman Courtney Ugle – Essendon Bombers VFLW premiership player and Deadly & Proud advocate – it’s a personal form of spiritual healing and confidence-building…

Essendon Football Club: Courtney Ugle's story

Ugle’s resilience through hardship is unshakeable, and the proud 21-year-old Noongar woman shares her story in a must-see… (video included)

Yokayi Footy: Courtney Ugle's overwhelming, emotional 'One Thing'

Courtney Ugle shares the 'worst experience' of her life' and how she chose to not let it define her

Podcast Appearances