Milparanga Established Leadership Program
Milparanga Established Leadership Program
Build advanced leadership skills through challenging experiences that honour First Nations knowledge systems, philosophies and cultural identity
Delivered in partnership
Strengthen your influence and create lasting change
The Milparanga Established Leadership Program is designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait leaders looking to deepen their impact and influence. Through transformative learning experiences grounded in First Nations knowledge systems, cultural identity and lived experience, participants will strengthen their leadership practice and build lasting connections with a network of like-minded leaders.
The program explores cultural frameworks in the context of contemporary change, fostering greater self-awareness, truth-telling, cultural confidence, inclusion, and a deeper understanding of others to inspire meaningful and systemic change.
Participant Information
The Milparanga Established Leadership Program is a culturally safe leadership development experience for First Nations people who want to strengthen their influence and create meaningful change within their communities, organisations, sectors or industries.
The program brings together experienced people from across Australia to explore leadership through the lens of culture, Country, inclusion and truth-telling. Through practical challenges, cultural engagement, self-reflection and shared experiences, participants deepen their self-awareness and strengthen their ability to communicate, advocate and collaborate.
Participants learn from First Nations people with diverse leadership experience, connect with Milparanga alumni and visit culturally significant sites. They also take part in challenging activities that encourage them to question assumptions, respond to uncertainty and understand how their behaviour affects others.
Throughout the experience, participants build trusted relationships with their peers. These connections create an ongoing network of support, challenge and collaboration that can help participants influence systemic change.
The Milparanga Established Leadership Program is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait people aged 21 years and over who have significant community, organisational, sector or industry leadership experience.
This program may suit you if you:
- hold an established leadership role or regularly contribute leadership within your community, organisation, sector or industry
- want to strengthen your influence and create positive change on a broader scale
- value collaboration, peer networks and continued personal growth
- want to deepen your connection to Culture and Country
- are ready to question your assumptions and reflect honestly on how you lead
- are willing to engage with diverse cultural experiences and perspectives.
Leadership is not defined by your job title. We welcome applications from people who demonstrate leadership through their actions, relationships and contribution to community.
The program combines cultural engagement, personal reflection, practical leadership development and challenge-based activities within a supportive and culturally safe environment.
During the program, participants may:
- hear stories and perspectives from First Nations people with diverse leadership experience
- take part in truth-telling conversations
- connect and work with Milparanga alumni
- visit culturally significant sites
- strengthen their communication and advocacy skills
- explore personality and behavioural insights
- take part in challenging outdoor activities
- examine a personal leadership challenge
- participate in conversations that honour existing knowledge while testing ideas and assumptions.
To gain the full benefit of the program, you must commit to the entire two-session experience.
You will need to step away from work and other responsibilities during this time. Some parts of the program may also have limited mobile phone access.
The experience will ask you to contribute openly, support the learning of others and approach uncertainty and challenge with curiosity.
Program duration: 10 days delivered across two residential sessions, plus travel to and from the program location.
Dates:
- Session 1: 22 – 27 February 2027
- Session 2: 12 – 15 April 2027
Location: TBC
Applications close: 06 Dec 2026
Eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 21 years and over can apply through the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation.
The Milparanga Established Leadership Program is designed for people with significant leadership experience who want to deepen their capabilities and influence positive change within their communities, organisations, sectors or industries.
As part of the application process, we will ask you to share information about:
- your leadership experience
- your community, organisation, sector or industry
- the change you hope to influence
- your connection to rural, regional or remote Australia
- what you hope to gain from the program
- how you will contribute to the experience of the cohort.
Places are limited and selection is competitive. Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee a place.
The National Indigenous Australians Agency and Torres Strait Regional Authority supports the cost of participating in the program. Successful applicants pay a participant contribution of $330.
Grow your leadership through culture, connection and challenge
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 Established 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 $330 AUD, in partnership with the National Indigenous Australians Agency and Torres Strait Regional Authority, 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.