The Territory Labor Government is seeking 16 emerging Aboriginal leaders to join the First Circles Leadership Program, to equip them with skills to influence change in their communities.

Each year, the First Circles program selects eight Aboriginal Territorians from remote communities in the south and eight from the north of the NT to develop and expand their leadership skills, with the aim of participants returning to communities as strong community leaders.

Throughout the course of the year, participants will attend workshops where their voices will be strengthened, their contributions valued and where they will build the skills to confidently and directly speak to, negotiate and influence government about matters affecting their communities.

As part of the program, successful applicants will also attend the Aboriginal Leadership and Governance Forum held in Alice Springs, and will meet with the Northern Territory Cabinet.

Many past graduates have gone on to represent their communities at the Territory or national level, which has provided opportunities to advocate for change and connect with diverse networks across different regions.

Expressions of interest applications for the First Circles Leadership Program close on 31 May 2019.

For more information, or to apply, go to https://dcm.nt.gov.au/supporting-government/office-of-aboriginal-affairs/first-circles-leadership-program

Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Selena Uibo.

“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.

“The Territory Labor Government is restoring local decision making to remote communities to empower residents and let the people in those communities decide what is best for them when it comes to issues such as health, housing and education.

“It is important we equip the people in those communities with the skills and knowledge they need to make such decisions, and to have their voices heard.

“As a First Circles member in 2015, I valued the opportunity the program presented in focusing on solutions in our remote community.

“I strongly encourage those interested in the program to apply for the next intake as the skills, support and encouragement will be an exciting experience for an individual who wants to positively impact change in their community.”

Media contact: Carl Pfeiffer 0417 910 720