Barring Djinang leadership program

About the program

This is a leadership development and coaching program for First Nations employees who are seeking to enhance leadership capabilities.

The Commission delivers this program in partnership with MurriMatters. The program is designed to enable participants to identify their specific learning and development needs through coaching.

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

The program is specifically curated for a public sector context, ensuring that the leadership development, coaching, and project work are relevant to the unique opportunities and challenges faced by First Nations employees working in government. Content and delivery will reflect the structures, values, and responsibilities of the public service, while centring cultural identity and lived experience.

Program commitment

From February 2026 to October 2026 participants will complete:

• 8 to 10 hours of individual and group coaching sessions
• a 3-day residential course to be held in March 2026
• a graduation event.

Leadership residential

Participants will attend a 3-day leadership residential that includes:

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

The leadership residential will provide the opportunity for participants to connect and share their experiences in a group context and learn from high-profile First Nations leaders and peers in a culturally safe environment.

This residential will take place in March 2026 in a location an hour outside of Melbourne. More details will be provided to participants.

Accommodation will be in an authentic on-Country setting, designed to offer a genuine cultural immersion experience that supports connection to Country and community.

Travel and expenses

Participants may be required to travel, while some costs will be covered by the Victorian Public Sector Commission. Any additional travel and accommodation expenses are the responsibility of the participant’s home organisation and should follow its travel polices.

Who can apply

We welcome applications from eligible candidates who may be working in:

• 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 VPS roles, VPS 6&7 or equivalent and executive roles SES1&2 or equivalent
• who have experience with high levels of responsibility
• who are looking to further their leadership journey and explore new opportunities for career progression within senior or executive roles.

Support from your manager

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

When you apply, you will be required to submit an email from your manager to approve your participation.

More information can be found on the expression of interest form.

It must also include the text below:

As [applicant’s name]’s manager, I:

1. understand how the program works, the elements, costs and timelines
2. support their development in the program
3. approve their attendance during work hours for the welcome event, 8 to 10 hours of coaching and the 3-day leadership residential.
4. 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.

This fee is typically covered upfront through departmental contributions; however, departments that have not contributed will be responsible for the cost.

The funding doesn’t cover:

• extra professional development activities a participant needs during or after the program
• costs to cover an employee’s 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)
• 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 [email protected].

Find out more about our program partner at Murri Matters.