Emerging Aboriginal Territorian leaders will have the opportunity to advocate for their communities as part of this year’s First Circles leadership program, which started today in Alice Springs.
This year’s crop of First Circles members represent 19 remote communities from across the Territory.
Members are chosen for their demonstrated leadership skills and throughout the year, develop and expand these skills, increase their personal governance capabilities and learn more about government, with the aim of taking this knowledge back to their communities to make a real difference.
The series of four workshops throughout the year culminate in the group addressing Northern Territory Government Cabinet Ministers, where they provide ideas on policies, projects and initiatives that could positively impact their communities.
The First Circles Program started in 2015 as a way to bring new voices – and often quieter voices – to the conversation to ensure Aboriginal Territorians from remote communities are engaged in matters affecting Aboriginal people in the Territory.
The program is offered annually to 20 participants – 10 from the Top End and 10 from Central Australia.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Selena Uibo.
“As a First Circles graduate, I know firsthand how invaluable this program is in fostering leadership skills in our Aboriginal people and helping some quieter voices to share their ideas.
“The Territory Labor Government is supporting local decision making in remote communities to empower residents.
“As part of this, it is important we equip our up and coming community leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to make the best local decisions for their communities, and to have their voices heard.
“I welcome this year’s emerging community leaders to the First Circles program.
“I look forward to hearing their stories and ideas, and to working together to help foster empowerment to create change at a local level.”
2019 FIRST CIRCLES MEMBERS
Northern Region
- Corben Mujandi, Whistle Duck OS, West Arnhem
- Dion Wunungmurra, Gapuwiyak, East Arnhem
- Jacquelline Phillips, Maningrida, West Arnhem
- Janelle Shadforth, Robinson River, Roper GulfLeonie Carpenter, Pirlangimpi Tiwi, Tiwi Islands
- Nikita Baker, Borroloola, Roper Gulf
- Sharona Bishop, Bobs Yard Timber Creek, Vic Daly
- Kitisha Watson, Groote Eylandt, East Arnhem
- Edward Phillips, Gunbalunya, West Arnhem
Southern Region
- Audrey Inkamala, Engawala, Central Desert
- Gisselle Barku, Kintore, MacDonnell
- Jeffrey Zimran, Haasts Bluff, MacDonnell
- Keziah Ahkit-Kitson, Willowra, Central Desert
- Melvin Malbunka, Mt Liebig, MacDonnell
- Nashon Brockman-Dobbs, Ali Curung, Barkly
- Nora Hayes Wheeler, Santa Teresa, MacDonnell
- Phillip Alice, Santa Teresa, MacDonnell
- Sheree Anderson, Lajamanu, Central Desert
- Odessa Tippett, Lajamanu, Central Desert
Media contact: Kim Stephens 0417 683 144