The next generation of Aboriginal leaders

Eighteen Aboriginal leaders from across the Territory addressed the highest level of Government at a special Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 31 October 2023.

The Aboriginal leaders, eight women and ten men, offered advice and guidance on policies, projects and initiatives that impact on Aboriginal Territorians and remote communities.  The Cabinet presentation completed a journey that commenced in March 2023 and involved learning about the government, its policies, programs and mode of operation.

West Arnhem Regional Council Youth, Sport and Recreation Officer in Jabiru, Leah Narul Holt was a participant in the First Circles Leadership Program. Leah started the program when she was pregnant and then took her new baby to all of the three workshops.
West Arnhem Regional Council congratulates Leah on her achievements with the program. 
Members have attended workshops across the Territory, as well as the NT Aboriginal Leadership and Governance Forum in Alice Springs.
Participants also learnt how to produce and present effective presentations, and useful techniques to use when having difficult conversations in order to influence change.

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.  The program is calling for expressions of interest from Aboriginal Territorians that want to be part of the program in 2024. Applications close on 30 November 2023. For more information visit aboriginalaffairs.nt.gov.au
Minister for Local Decision Making, Selena Uibo said, “As a First Circles member in 2015, I valued the opportunity the program presented in focusing on solutions in my remote community. It is important as Government that we support people in regional and remote communities to enhance their leadership skills.

“First Circles is a program for emerging community leaders to share their stories and ideas and to work directly with the government to create change at a local level and have their voices heard.”