Holyoake Appoints Len Yarran as Cultural Advisor, Honouring Strong Foundations of Cultural Leadership
Holyoake is pleased to announce the appointment of Len Yarran as the organisation’s new Cultural Advisor, strengthening its ongoing commitment to culturally safe, respectful and community‑led practice.
A Noongar man from Northam, Len brings deep cultural knowledge, community leadership and lived experience to the role. He joins Casey Kickett, who continues in her position as Cultural Advisor, ensuring Holyoake benefits from a strong and diverse cultural leadership model that is grounded in culture, connection to Country and community wisdom.
Len is a highly respected educator and community leader, known for his longstanding dedication to promoting Aboriginal culture, education and Indigenous men’s health. Raised in Perth’s northern suburbs, with strong family connections to Whadjuk Country, Len has spent decades working alongside Aboriginal communities to strengthen wellbeing through education, advocacy and cultural leadership.
In 2013, Len was a founding member of the Wadjak Northside Aboriginal Community Group, helping establish a vital community resource centre in Balga focused on improving outcomes for local Aboriginal families. His contribution to education and mentoring has been widely recognised, including being named WA Aboriginal and Islander Education Officer of the Year, acknowledging his impact as a teacher, mentor and role model at Balga Senior High School.
Commenting on his appointment, Len said:
“For me, this role is about walking alongside people with respect, humility and honesty. Culture is about connection – to Country, to family and to community – and I see this as an opportunity to help strengthen those connections within Holyoake’s work. I’m proud to be joining an organisation that values listening, learning and genuine partnership.”
As a Cultural Leader, Len is regularly invited to deliver Welcome to Country and conduct smoking ceremonies, and to share his knowledge of Aboriginal history, education and heritage through community initiatives such as the Mooro Cultural Tour at Lake Gwelup. He considers the sharing of culture and knowledge both a responsibility and a privilege.
Holyoake CEO Ben Smith said Len’s appointment reflects the organisation’s commitment to strong, culturally informed leadership.
“Len brings a depth of cultural knowledge, community connection and leadership that will undoubtedly support Holyoake’s work. His experience as an educator and community advocate, combined with his generosity in sharing culture and knowledge, aligns strongly with our values and our commitment to culturally safe practice,” Mr Smith said.
Holyoake also wishes to formally acknowledge and sincerely thank Lindsay Dean, the organisation’s inaugural Cultural Advisor, as he concludes his role.
Since establishing the Cultural Advisor position, Lindsay has played a pivotal role in supporting Holyoake’s reconciliation journey. His cultural guidance and leadership have helped embed respectful protocols, strengthen relationships with Aboriginal communities, and shape Holyoake’s approach to culturally informed service delivery.
“We are deeply grateful to Lindsay for the foundations he has laid,” Mr Smith said. “His leadership, integrity and generosity of knowledge have had a lasting impact on Holyoake. We thank him for his significant contribution and wish him every success in his ongoing community leadership and cultural work.”
The appointment of Len Yarran, alongside continuing Cultural Advisor Casey Kickett, reflects Holyoake’s ongoing commitment to listening, learning and working in genuine partnership with Aboriginal peoples to deliver services that are culturally strong, respectful and community‑led.