Barring Djinang First Peoples’ leadership program

About the program

This is a leadership development and coaching program for First Peoples staff that are seeking to enhance leadership capabilities.

The Commission will deliver this program in partnership with MurriMatters. The program is designed to enable you to identify your specific learning and development needs through coaching.

The program will focus on ‘leadership in action’ by connecting your personal and professional development with real-life projects. This involves implementing key Engoori practices that support self-awareness and transformation of individual and organisational relationships.

Program commitment

From February 2025 to October 2025 participants will complete:

• 8 to 10 hours of individual and group coaching sessions
• a 3-day residential course to be held from 5 to 7 March 2025
• a graduation event.

Leadership residential

You’ll attend a 3-day leadership residential that includes:

• learning and development
• coaching
• mentoring
• cultural activities.

You’ll have the opportunity to connect and share your experiences in a group context and learn from high-profile First Peoples leaders and your peers in a culturally safe environment.

This residential will take place in March 2025 in a location an hour outside of Melbourne. More details will be provided to participants.

Who can apply

We welcome applications from:

• Victorian public sector
• Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations
• Victorian Traditional Owner groups

We’re looking for people:

• with a strong commitment to their own personal and professional development
• in senior non-executive roles, VPS 6 or equivalent
• who have experience with high levels of responsibility
• who are ready to take the next step into a formal leadership role.

How to apply

When expressions of interest open, you can fill out the form linked at the top of this page.

The successful applicants will be sent details of the selection process once we receive your application.

Support from your manager

This program is based on coaching, more than just curriculum. There’s an emphasis on applying what you’re learning about yourself as a leader in your workplace and/or community.

The program runs during work hours, so you’ll need approval from your manager to participate. Their support for your progress will help you get the most from the program.

When you apply, you’ll be asked to upload a signed statement from your manager explaining what they think you’ll get out of the program and why you’d be perfect for it.

It must also include the text below:

As [applicant’s name]’s manager, I:

• understand how the program works, the elements, costs and timelines
• support their development in the program
• approve their attendance during work hours for the welcome event, 8 to 10 hours of coaching and the 3-day leadership residential
• will contact the Victorian Public Sector Commission if I have any questions about the program.

Program costs

There are 30 places available in this program at the cost of $6000 per participant including GST, open to any public sector agency, ACCO, Traditional Owner Group or Victorian Government department.

The program doesn’t cover:

• extra professional development activities a participant needs during or after the program
• costs to cover an employees’ absence during the program, for example, backfilling a role or secondments
• travel or accommodation outside of the program (Noting that accommodation for the 3 day residential is covered by this program)
• any other costs a participant needs to participate in the program.

Participant stories

Contact us

Call us on 0448 834 739 or email us at aboriginal.employment@vpsc.vic.gov.au.

Find out more about our program partner at Murri Matters.