What is on offer?

Those taking part in the program will have access to mentoring, professional and personal development and the opportunity to improve their leadership skills as well as a $30,000 grant over a period of 12 months to assist with the development of identified personal and professional development goals and to assist seeing a vision, project or plan for a project come to life in their local Indigenous community that would demonstrate / foster leadership within the community.

Two positions are available.

If you or someone you know possesses the qualities of an Emerging Leader we want to hear from you!

We welcome expressions of interest from all backgrounds (i.e. arts, community, business, health, sport). Applicants from an arts or health background are encouraged to apply.

Applications need to address the Selection Criteria below.

 "The support of the Fellowship program has been empowering and instrumental in developing my confidence and broadening my connections. It has been an opportunity that has required me to challenge myself in new ways and provided me with exposure to key people across industries"

Belinda Jakiel, Emerging Leader 2006                      

How to apply

Applications should be sent to Fellowship for Indigenous Leadership via email with the subject "Emerging Leadership Program" to info@indigenousfellowship.net.au

or by post to Emerging Leadership Program, Fellowship for Indigenous Leadership, c/- 460 City Road, South Melbourne VIC 3205.

Applications should be received by close of business Friday 4 September 2009.

Please include full name, address, email address, contact phone numbers, a paragraph about yourself and response to the Selection criteria.

Responses should be no longer than 5 pages.

"Being part of the Fellowship program has provided many opportunities that not only benefit me personally throughout my journey, but ultimately benefit my people through the work and support I am involved in."                                        

Lidia Thorpe, Emerging Leader 2009

Selection criteria

• A proven commitment to achievement and leadership.                
  - what is your understanding of leadership? 
  - what do you mean by leadership? 

• A willingness and ability to strengthen links between Aboriginal and mainstream Australia.
• A commitment to promoting and strengthening Victoria's Aboriginal culture.
• A strong base within the Koori community evidenced by demonstrated relationships with already established Indigenous organisations and projects. 
• The ability to articulate a vision for a better future for Aboriginal Victorians; to have a set of well-founded ideas and the practical know-how, motivation and energy to establish the pathways towards achieving this vision.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong and fruitful relationships and networks with individuals, groups and organisations in the Koori and mainstream communities.
• Recognition as an Indigenous emerging leader who possesses leadership qualities and attributes, particularly within the Aboriginal community, but desirably also by members of the broader community.
• The desire to share knowledge and experience and to work to increase the understanding and skills of others including the ability to work as part of a team and foster teamwork.
• A specific vision, idea or plan for a project in your local Indigenous community that would demonstrate / foster leadership within the community.
• Identified goals / objectives within a specific identified sector (i.e. business, health, arts, sport, youth) with knowledge of the required resources to implement and achieve the goals / objectives.
• Applicants must be Indigenous and currently living in Victoria
  - Fellowship projects must benefit Indigenous Victoria.

The selection process

All applications received are sent an acknowledgement. An independent selection panel reviews all applications and shortlists applicants for interview. Interviews will take place in Melbourne in late September.