From advising Australia’s national science agency CSIRO, working for the Australian Red Cross and being a renowned artist/activist, to running influential Indigenous organisations and leading communities – it’s just a sample of the impact ARLF First Nations alumni are having across Australia.
The Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) has provided a platform for some of the boldest and brightest Indigenous leaders in the country to develop their leadership skills and make a difference.
It could be your turn, by applying for the upcoming Milparanga Established Leadership program.
The program is for leaders looking to deepen their leadership skills and influence positive change. It aims to connect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders from across Australia in a culturally safe place to engage in conversations and projects that explore collaboration and build leadership capability.
They’ll visit diverse locations and culturally significant sites, hear stories from Indigenous leaders and participate in challenging outdoor activities as part of the experiential learning.
The sense of empowerment from the experience – mixed with heightened self awareness and confidence – drives participants to take action. To become changemakers on behalf of their community and country, backed by a strong network of leaders.
“It empowers Aboriginal people who already are in positions to create change and provide them with the skills and knowledge to influence deeper change within their communities, not just work,” says past participant Ulanda Gregory from near Broome, Western Australia.
Lauren Rogers from Queensland’s Moreton Bay region adds: “Milparanga has changed the trajectory of my future in leadership and opened my eyes to a new way of being! A truly wonderful experience that I will take with me through the rest of my life! I have learned that through my traditional cultural principles, processes and frameworks, we can achieve changes needed in our communities when we collaborate together. Leadership is about coming together to find the solution to the issues we may encounter. Together our voices are stronger.”
Birrunga Wiradyuri of Brisbane agrees it’s been a life changing experience: “I enjoyed the experience, was challenged and absolutely benefited, learned and grew from the experience… I remain extremely grateful for the opportunity and feel privileged to have been included. Unreservedly recommended. Life changing. Astute, unique, valuable.”
Milparanga Program Manager and facilitator Grant Cameron, says the Milparanga Established Leadership program is an opportunity not to be missed.
”As a previous participant, I know first-hand the value of participating in this culturally safe program. Facilitated by Indigenous educators, it explores leadership practices and creates a network of more than 350 graduates across the country to call on and support you into the future.”
The program is fully-funded via 23 scholarships from partners, including the National Indigenous Australians Agency. Applicants aged 21years and above and who live and work in rural and remote communities are encouraged to apply – visit here. Applications close on Saturday 10 December 2022.
For more information on the ARLF’s other Milparanga leadership development programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, visit here.
