Milparanga Established Leadership Program
Network with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders from across Australia in a culturally safe place in the Milparanga Established Leadership Program. Join us for a unique First Nations leadership experience to build capability through challenging experiences that honour Indigenous knowledge systems, philosophies and cultural identity and create a support and learning network to drive systematic change.
Eligibility
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples aged 21 years and older with community or industry leadership experience
Commitment
10-day session plus travel to location
Investment
Program fee: $18,150 (covered by scholarship)
Participant contribution: $330
Delivery mode & venue
Delivered face-to-face in a residential program setting in Australia
Dates
Upcoming program: 30 April - 9 May 2025
2026 program: 23-27 February 2026 & 13-16 April 2026
Drive systemic change and join a network for Indigenous leaders
The Milparanga Established Leadership Program builds on your existing leadership capabilities through challenging experiences that honour Indigenous knowledge systems, philosophies and cultural identity. Create a support and learning network with your fellow Indigenous leaders to drive systemic change.
The program is designed to give a deeper understanding of cultural frameworks in the context of contemporary change, awareness of self and others, truth-telling, culture and inclusion. You’ll build the confidence to be an advocate for social and positive change at a at a local and national level.
Activities you’ll engage in on Milparanga Established
Hear stories from Indigenous leaders & engage in truth telling
Meet and workshop with Milparanga alumni
Visit culturally significant sites to learn about Indigenous history and legacies
Activities that will help you develop self-awareness and how to communicate with others
Challenging outdoor recreational components
Behavioural/personality profiling activities (Awareness of self and others)
Communications and advocacy skills training
Robust conversations that will honour existing skills and knowledge, as well as provoke thoughts and assumptions
Would you like to
- Have a positive impact in your community, sector or industry and support others to act?
- Explore how to use leadership to influence change?
- Develop your confidence to use your voice, your networks, your personal story and experience for the greater good?
- Understand yourself better and challenge your own beliefs? You’ll understand the impact it can have on your decisions and actions.
- Let go of ideas and actions that are holding you back and focus on the things that will allow you to have a positive impact?
- Learn how to communicate effectively to resolve conflict?
- Explore a personal leadership challenge with others in this program?
Testimonials
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, Milparanga is facilitated by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and facilitators and the content is designed with a cultural lens.
In part, you will be required to pay a participant contribution fee of $330 AND, 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.
The ARLF does offer a number of privately funded scholarships. If this interests you, please contact partnerships@rural-leaders.org.au
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.
ARLF has a COVID response plan in place and will respond to get you home as quickly as possible.
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.
Be the change in your community
Want to recommend someone other than yourself? Use our Shoulder Tap.
Be the change in your community
Make change happen in your community. Join the next round of our Milparanga Established Leadership program and get the tools to lead change in your community.
Become a partner
If you are interested in becoming a partner, please view our Partnerships page.
Be the change in your community
Make change happen in your community. Join the next round of our Milparanga Established Leadership program and get the tools to lead change in your community.
