Milparanga Emerging Leadership Program
Milparanga Emerging Leadership Program
Grow leadership skills with Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders in a culturally safe space
Make waves in your community and sharpen your leadership skills
The Milparanga Emerging Leadership Program is an immersive and culturally safe experience that helps shape you into a better communicator and leader. The program is designed to give a deeper understanding of Country, awareness of self and others, truth-telling, culture and inclusion. Build the confidence to be an advocate for social and positive change in your community or industry.
Participant Information
The Milparanga Emerging Leadership Program is a culturally safe leadership development experience for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people seeking to strengthen their leadership skills and create positive change in their communities. Through immersive, experiential learning, participants build confidence, self-awareness and communication skills while exploring leadership through the lens of culture, Country, inclusion and truth-telling.
The program encourages participants to challenge assumptions, embrace innovation and develop the skills needed to lead through change. Participants learn from Indigenous leaders, engage with peers and alumni, visit culturally significant sites, and build strong networks that support collaborative leadership and community impact.
By strengthening leadership capability, advocacy and influence, Milparanga empowers emerging leaders to use their voice, lived experience and cultural knowledge to be effective advocates for positive social change and stronger, more resilient communities.
This program is an intensive, six-day residential experience delivered face-to-face on Yugambeh Country (QLD and surrounds). Designed as an immersive leadership journey, Milparanga combines experiential learning, cultural engagement, self-reflection and practical leadership development in a supportive and culturally safe environment.
Participants take part in a range of culture-based activities, including learning from Indigenous leaders, engaging in truth-telling conversations and visiting culturally significant sites. Participants will also undertake communications and advocacy training, and participating in outdoor challenge-based experiences that build self-awareness, resilience and leadership capability.
To gain the full benefit of the program, participants are expected to commit to the entire six-day experience, actively contribute to discussions and group learning, and embrace opportunities for personal growth and challenge. The program also enables participants to build lasting relationships with peers and alumni, creating a strong network of emerging leaders dedicated to driving positive change in their communities.
Dates: This program will run for 6 days from 10-15 Oct 2026.
Location: Tamborine Mountain, QLD, Australia
Applications close 28 August 2026.
To participate in the Milparanga Emerging Leadership Program, eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 21 years and over can apply through the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation. The program is designed for emerging leaders who are passionate about personal growth and creating positive change in their communities, organisations or industries.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply by completing the online application form. As part of the application process, you will be asked to outline your background, leadership aspirations, connection to rural, regional or remote Australia, and what you hope to gain from participating in the program.
Places in the program are fully funded through the National Indigenous Australians Agency.
Grow your leadership through challenge, connection and real-world experiences
Hear From Our Alumni
Reflections from those who have experienced the journey
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Start your application
Express your interest in the Milparanga Emerging Leaders 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.
In part, you will be required to pay a participant contribution fee of $220 AUD, in partnership with the National Indigenous Australians Agency the ARLF is able to cover all other costs. If you need to use your own money for a cab from the airport to a hotel you will be reimbursed, this is clearly outlined in your contract.
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 take your safety seriously, and so we hope you won’t become sick or injured. We have first aid officers available for each program we deliver in the case of an emergency. If you do unfortunately contract COVID, we have a response plan in place that allows us to get you home as quickly as possible.
Working on the program will make a big impact on your ability to focus and get the most from the program. It may also be quite difficult, due to the location and schedule of the program. So, we do ask that you make prior arrangements with your employer and inform them that you won’t be able to work during the program period.
We provide an immersive program experience, therefore, mobile phones will be removed for periods to enhance your engagement and experience. Your family will be provided with contact information to notify our facilitators in the event of an emergency.
While the baseline standards ensure your eligibility, the selection process is highly competitive and meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program. The program draws a strong field of applicants for a limited number of places.
The selection panel evaluates not just whether you are qualified, but how your profile compares to the entire field of candidates competing for a spot in that specific intake.