Torres Strait Womens Leadership Program
Torres Strait Womens Leadership Program
Strong women. Strong communities. A shared future.
Delivered in partnership
Create lasting change in the Torres Strait
The Torres Strait Women’s Leadership Program is for women living in the Torres Strait or Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) who want to step up and make a difference. Whether you’re already helping out in your community or just starting to think about what’s next, this program will help you build confidence, meet others, and learn new skills.
You don’t need a title or a big job to join. If you care about your community and want to help shape its future, this program is for you.
Participant Information
Are you someone who wants to build more confidence to speak your truth in workplaces or decision-making spaces? Or perhaps you’re thinking about what your next step could be, even if you’re not sure what that looks like yet.
This program will meet you where you are, honour your story, and walk alongside you as you grow your impact – strong in culture, connected to community, and shaping a shared future.
Participants in the Torres Strait Womens Leadership Program will take part in group activities, storytelling, and conversations that:
- Help you understand yourself and how you work with others
- Improve your communication and advocacy skills
- Explore your leadership values and ways to influence change
- Honour your lived experience while introducing new ideas
These activities may stretch you but that’s how growth happens. You won’t be alone, your facilitators and your cohort will walk beside you, creating a supportive space for reflection, sharing and learning.
Simple tools to help you lead:
You’ll learn practical ways to speak up, make decisions and lead in a way that works for you – whether that’s at work, at home or in the community.
More confidence in who you are and what you bring:
The program will help you understand your strengths and what matters most to you, so you can lead with more courage and belief in yourself.
Support from other women like you:
You’ll meet other strong Torres Strait and NPA women who care about their communities too. You’ll learn together, share stories and build lasting friendships.
New ideas for making a difference:
You’ll leave with new skills and fresh ideas to help you take action whether it is at work, in community, or wherever leadership is needed.
This program is for women living in the Torres Strait or NPA. You don’t need a formal role, just a commitment to community and curiosity about what’s possible.
You’ll need to attend both five-day sessions in full, including travel days. In between, you’ll stay connected to your cohort and be encouraged to apply what you’re learning in your community or workplace.
Session 1: 16- 21 March, Queensland
Session 2: 3 – 6 May, Thursday Island
Scholarships are fully funded by the Torres Strait Regional Authority and includes travel costs to attend the program.
Participants will need to cover the cost of their own incidentals and meals during transit.
Hear From Our Alumni
Reflections from those who have experienced the journey
Want to recommend this program to someone?
A longstanding committment
ARLF’s partnership with the Torres Strait Regional Authority dates back to 2008. Our first Torres Strait Islander participant joined the Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP) in 2003. Since then, we’ve invested in programs that support local capability – including ARLP, TRAIL, and Milparanga.
The Torres Strait represents our longest and deepest place-based leadership investment. The extraordinary network of Torres Strait Islander alumni includes women and young people who are shaping the region’s future with courage, care, and commitment.
Start your application
Express your interest in the Torres Strait Womens Leadership Program by completing this form.
This is step one.
Once submitted, we’ll send you the full application form by email.
Want to recommend this program to someone? Go to our Shoulder Tap.
Frequently asked questions
Have a question that we haven’t answered below? Get in touch with our friendly team. We’re happy to help.
Yes, this program is facilitated by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and facilitators and the content is designed with a cultural lens.
Scholarships are fully funded by the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA). There is currently no participant contribution. However, participants will need to cover any incidentals and meals during transit.
Yes, you will receive an itemised packing list a few weeks out from coming on program, and we can assist with items you may not be able to get in your community.
Yes, it may. Our programs are intentionally designed to foster deep learning, resilience, and growth by including elements of challenge and uncertainty. These experiences are created with inclusivity in mind, ensuring a safe space to navigate discomfort. The uncertainty is deliberate—it mimics the unpredictable challenges leaders often face, helping you develop the skills to adapt and thrive in the face of the unknown.
We have first aid officers on the program to assist as your safety is paramount.
We provide an immersive program experience therefore mobile phones may be removed for periods to enhance your engagement and experience. Mobile phone reception may not be available during some periods on the program. Your family will be provided with contact information in the case of an emergency and program facilitators will be notified.
We kindly ask that you do not share any information about program locations and activities on any social media platforms.
We ask that you make prior arrangements with your workplace and inform them that you will not be able to work during the period of the program.