back to LearnEpisode 8: Aaliyah Bula | NRLW, self-belief & leaning on your village
In this episode of Mental Fitness Conversations in partnership with Black Magic Woman, Mundanara Bayles sits down with her niece, Aaliyah Bula – a proud Tongan, Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi woman – with a quiet strength and a deep love for the communities that raised her. What unfolds is a conversation about growing up amongst two distinct cultures, finding your voice, and learning that leaning on your village will always help guide you when life gets tough.
Aaliyah talks about her childhood surrounded by siblings, cousins and community, and how those early years shaped her sense of identity. She grew up between two strong cultures that shared the same heartbeat of family, faith and showing up for one another.
Today, Aaliyah is a youth worker at Redfern Youth Connect, the organisation her parents built from the ground up. She started there as a young volunteer, long before she knew what mentoring meant, and now she finds herself guiding girls who remind her of who she once was. Every time she’s asked to present jerseys or be the person younger players look up to, it still catches her off guard.
“Growing up in community, you don’t realise you’re becoming a role model until the little ones start looking up to you.”
Her story isn’t a straight line. Footy has given her incredible experiences, but it’s also shifted and stretched her in ways she didn’t expect. She’s honest about the harder moments – the self-doubt after a tough loss, the late-night doubts about whether she could have done more. What makes the difference for her is the people she turns to. Her husband, J’maine “Reem” Bula, helps her to step back from the noise in her head and remember what’s real.
“When you’re in your own head, it’s easy to get carried away in your thoughts. But leaning on your village, leaning on the people around you, and not having to do things on your own is so important because those soundboards can help you realise reality.”
Throughout the conversation, what comes through most clearly is her deep sense of gratitude. For her culture. For her family. For the communities of Redfern and the Block that shaped her. For the mentors who stood by her. And now, for the chance to be that steady presence for the next generation.
Aaliyah’s message is simple but powerful: trust where you come from, trust the people around you, and trust yourself. Things don’t always unfold the way you imagine, but with a strong village and a grounded sense of who you are, you can move through anything.
It’s the kind of honest, hopeful conversation that reminds us why connection matters – and why showing up for each other will always be the strongest foundation for mental fitness.
Listen to the full episode: Aaliyah Bula – NRLW, self-belief & leaning on your village – part of our Mental Fitness Conversation series with Mundanara Bayles, produced in partnership with the Black Magic Woman Podcast.
Why this episode matters
Mental Fitness Conversations is part of Gotcha4Life’s commitment to a suicide-free world, through connections, cultural understanding and meaningful storytelling. In partnership with Black Magic Woman, this series reflects the diversity and strength of First Nations voices, and the importance of culture and community in building mental fitness.
Listen to Episode 8 with Aaliyah Bula
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Content in this podcast covers topics related to mental health, including suicide which can be confronting and distressing. Please consider your needs when listening. Click here for support services you can contact 24/7.
