2024 First Circles Leadership Program graduation

The 2024 First Circles participants successfully graduated from the leadership program earlier this month at Parliament House.
During the day, the group engaged with Northern Territory Government Cabinet Ministers to discuss topics relevant to Aboriginal communities.
The First Circles Leadership Program is an NT Government flagship program aimed to help identify, mentor, and support Aboriginal emerging leaders from remote communities across the Northern Territory.  
West Arnhem Regional Council Services Manager Geri Narul, a participant in the 2024 program, said she is grateful for the opportunity.
“I have always wanted to be a part of the First Circles program. My sister Leah has done it in 2023, and she’s inspired me to apply,” Geri said.
“I was able to identify what styles of leadership I have on both professional and personal level. I was also able to identify what styles of leadership I have from a cultural perspective for my community. It’s made me realise how important my styles of leadership are in my community because that’s how my people see me, for who I am as a leader, an individual, as a sister, a daughter, a mother, an aunt etc. That is what’s important to me as a leader.” 
Geri said she encourages emerging leaders in the Top End to participate in this unique opportunity.
“I have been networking, and I know a few people who are interested and are wanting to apply for the 2025 program.
“It was an experience I will never forget. It was such a privilege to be a part of the program for 2024.” 
West Arnhem Regional Council Mayor James Woods and Councillor Jacqueline Phillips are also Alumni of the First Circles Leadership Program who both addressed the graduates, describing how the program influenced their leadership journeys.
The program is calling for expressions of interest from Aboriginal Territorians that want to be part of the program in 2025. Applications close on 31 January 2025. For more information visit aboriginalaffairs.nt.gov.au