Torres Strait Womens Leadership Program
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.
Eligibility
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.
Commitment
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.
Investment
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.
Delivery mode & venue
The program includes two face-to-face sessions.
Session one will be held in Meanjin lands of the Yuggera and Turrbal peoples (Brisbane) and session two will take place in the Waibene lands of the Kaurareg peoples (Torres Strait Islands).
Participants will travel and stay with the group during the sessions.
Dates
Session one: 13–17 October 2025, Brisbane
Session two: 1–5 December 2025, Torres Strait Islands
Strong women. Strong communities. A shared future.
Leadership often begins with care—for family, for culture, for Country, and for community. It’s grounded in connection and guided by values passed down through generations.
You might already be showing leadership by looking after others, speaking up for your community, or holding knowledge that helps guide the next generation. Maybe you’re involved in a women’s group, local organisation or committee. You might be mentoring young people, caring for Elders, or quietly helping things happen behind the scenes.
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.
What you’ll take away from the Torres Strait Womens Leadership Program
Simple tools to help you lead
You’ll learn practical ways to speak up, make good 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—at work, in community, or wherever leadership is needed.
A long-standing commitment
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.
Activities you’ll engage in on program
Hear stories from Indigenous leaders
Activities that will help you develop self-awareness and how to communicate with others
Meet indigenous decision makers in politics and community
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
Apply Now
Start your journey to join exclusive access to our diverse, national alumni network of more than 3,000 rural, regional, and remote leaders. Surround yourself with like-minded leaders who are just as dedicated to making a positive impact and facilitating changes in their communities as you are.
Want to recommend someone other than yourself? Use our Shoulder Tap.
Delivered in partnership with
This program is supported by the Torres Strait Regional Authority and delivered by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation. Together, we are investing in women’s leadership and community agency—because when Torres Strait women lead, the whole region benefits.
Become a partner
If you are interested in becoming a partner, please view our Partnerships page.
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.
Future leaders are the bridge
How do we lead with reconciliation in mind?
An experiential learning program
At the ARLF, we’re big on experiential learning – learning programs that immerse you and help you learn and grow through learned lessons. You’ll hear stories from Indigenous leaders, visit culturally significant sites to learn about Indigenous history and legacies, and meet and hear stories from Milparanga alumni.
Milparanga Emerging Leadership incorporates outdoor activities. You can expect to be pushed outside of your comfort zone with activities that help you get to know yourself better and make you a better communicator. We’ll take you by surprise most days. Not knowing exactly what you will be doing each day is all part of the experience.
