A political pathways program that has helped shape the Northern Territory's political landscape is expanding to Alice Springs.
Charles Darwin University's (CDU) 2025 Pathways to Politics for Women NT (PPWNT) program will expand its in-person offering to Central Australia for the first time to boost participation of First Nations women in regional and remote communities.
Successful applicants will take part in two face-to-face sessions at CDU's Alice Springs Campus - gaining first-hand insights from prominent politicians, advisors, speechwriters, and media trainers and equipping graduates with the skills, knowledge and confidence to pursue a career in politics.
The non-partisan program has previously only been available in Darwin.
In a testament to the program's success, five PPWNT graduates ran for office as part of the 2024 Northern Territory Election including Asta Hill (2022 Alumni), Suki Dorras-Walker (2022 Alumni), Laurie Zio (2022 Alumni) Janey Davies (2024 Alumni) and Belinda Kolstadt (2024 Alumni).
Past participants of the PPWNT program also include Deanne Rioli (elected Council Member for Tiwi Islands Regional Council Pirlangimpi Ward 2023) and prominent Yes23 campaigner Jade Ritchie.
Now an elected Member of the NT Legislative Assembly, Mrs Zio said her participation in the 2023 program had solidified her political ambitions.
"I'd considered entering politics over the last few years but wanted to make sure it was the right decision," she said.
"The program gave me increased insight into the roles, responsibilities and personal attributes requires to be successful in the political arena."
With experience across the education sector, Mrs Zio said the increasing presence and influence of women was part of a seismic shift in the global political landscape.
"Breaking through traditional barriers and challenging long-held stereotypes, women are stepping into political arenas with determination, resilience, and a vision for change," she said.
