The first meeting of the Territory Labor Governments 2018 First Circles Leadership Program will take place today, with 16 aspiring Aboriginal leaders from remote communities across the Territory gathering in Darwin for a two-day workshop.
The First Circles Leadership Program helps members expand their leadership skills, develop their professional profiles and both better contribute to and understand the impact of public policies and programs on their communities.
The program includes eight Aboriginal Territorians from the south of the NT, and eight from the north. Members meet with Cabinet and many go on to represent their community on a national platform. Minister for Education and Member for Arnhem, Selena Uibo, is a First Circles graduate.
As noted by Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Ken Vowles:
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.
First Circles is a unique program that helps Aboriginal people from across the Territory find a voice. It helps ensure they are engaged and can confidently and directly speak to government about matters affecting their lives, families and communities.
If we are to succeed in giving remote communities more say over their future, we need to develop more strong Aboriginal leaders.
As noted by Minister for Education, Selena Uibo:
As a former First Circles member, I valued the opportunity the program presented in focusing on solutions in our remote community.
I would encourage those interested in the program to apply in 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.
