The Territory Labor Government supports the ground-breaking First Circles Program, which cultivates the next generation of Aboriginal leaders.
The program is now open to expressions of interest from Aboriginal Territorians who want to be part of next year’s program.
Supporting this unique program is one of the ways the Territory Labor Government is enhancing strong Aboriginal leadership, governance and capacity, which is fundamental to Aboriginal Territorians driving local solutions and leading the way in local decision making.
First Circles Members will attend four workshops in 2024 and be mentored and supported by staff and previous members whilst in the program. The year-long series of intensive workshops culminate in the group addressing all Ministers in the Northern Territory Government Cabinet.
Successful applicants will be invited to attend the Aboriginal Leadership and Governance Forum to be held in Alice Springs in 2024.
The current 2023 program includes 27 members who have attended the First Circles workshops and are scheduled to complete the program in October 2023.
Managed through the Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet’s Aboriginal Affairs Strategic Partnerships Team, since it started in 2014 over 100 Aboriginal leaders have been part of the program.
Many members go on to represent their community on a national platform. Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Member for Arnhem Selena Uibo, is a First Circles graduate.
The program is a key element of the Territory Labor Government’s commitment to the Aboriginal Affairs Strategy, including local decision making, closing the gap and ensuring Aboriginal Territorians’ social and economic aspirations are being met.
Expressions of interest applications for the 2024 program close on 30 November 2023.
For more visit aboriginalaffairs.nt.gov.au here
Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Chansey Paech:
“I strongly encourage those interested in the program to apply for the next intake. The opportunity to enhance your leadership skills, plus the support and encouragement that is on offer through the program, will help guide those emerging leaders who want to make a positive impact in their community.
“The Territory Labor Government is restoring local decision making to remote communities to empower residents and let Aboriginal Territorians decide what is best for them when it comes to health, housing and education.
“First Circles is a program for the next generation of leaders to share their stories and ideas, and to work directly with the government to create change at a local level.”
Quotes attributable to current First Circles Member Andrea Andrews, Barunga:
“Leadership is an area that I want to excel in, following in my father’s footsteps.
“I want young men and women to see how amazing it will be to be a First Circles member. To come and experience great opportunities to gain more skills and knowledge. To learn about government policies and processes and how to best influence positive decision making to achieve better outcomes for our communities.”
Quotes attributable to current First Circles Member Wesley Campbell, Yarralin:
“Being a member of the First Circles Leadership Program has enhanced my knowledge of leadership and provided opportunities to step outside my comfort zone and grow.
“Knowledge is power and strong leadership is essential to positively influence and contribute to our communities and regions.”
Northern Territory Government
