The Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) has announced a new partnership with BHP to support the development of the First Nations director pipeline.
The Board Governance Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) and Indigenous Community Organisation Scholarship Program will award up to 250 scholarships to executives and aspiring board directors from Traditional Owner Groups in regional South Australia and Western Australia.
The 18-month scholarship program will include in-classroom board governance education through enrolment in the AICD's Governance Foundations for Not-for-Profit Directors course, plus a half-day leadership workshop and follow on virtual sessions.
AICD Managing Director and CEO Mark Rigotti said: "AICD is excited to be collaborating with BHP on this important initiative.
"We hope these scholarships will not only inspire emerging directors but also challenge their perspectives and strengthen their governance expertise, with the aim of ultimately contributing to stronger leadership in First Nations communities."
BHP Head of Indigenous Engagement Allan James said: "The relationships BHP has with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are some of the most important we will ever share.
"Through programs like this one, BHP has the opportunity to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders to learn from each other and gain exceptional leadership skills through the great work of AICD."
This initiative supports Priority Reform Two of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap that focuses on strengthening and sustaining Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community-controlled sectors through good governance.
The scholarship is suitable for executives and leaders within PBCs and Indigenous Community Organisations, who are interested in becoming directors in the future. Courses will take place in Port Hedland WA and Port Augusta SA, with course dates expected later in this year and early 2026. Applications are open now. Go to our scholarships webpage
