Unlock your leadership potential and create meaningful change in your career, community, and workplace with our scholarships for First Nations peoples.
Scholarships
At First Peoples Leading, we know that supporting First Nations peoples through culturally responsive leadership development does more than strengthen careers. It creates lasting positive change that flows through communities and reshapes systems affecting all First Peoples.
That's why we proudly partner with the Paul Ramsay Foundation to offer scholarships across our 3 First Nations leadership development programs: Next Gen, Impact, and Changemakers.
| Program | 15% contribution |
|---|---|
| Next Gen | AUD $310 |
| Impact | AUD $870 |
| Changemakers | AUD $1,480 |
What’s on offer?
If your application is successful, we'll cover 85% of your selected program's fees.
You or your employer pays the remaining 15%:
Who can apply?
To apply, you must:
Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
Be self-employed, a student or work for either:
An Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation
A First Nations-led not-for-profit
A First Nations-owned and operated business
Selection criteria
We will evaluate your application based on the following criteria:
Alignment with the program: Whether your leadership journey is at a stage where participating in the selected program will provide significant benefits to your development.
Potential impact: The positive difference you are likely to make within your community or workplace as a result of your participation.
Financial need: The necessity for sponsorship, considering your organisation's capacity to cover the full cost of the program.
Commitment: Whether you commit to attending every session and completing all learning requirements
How to apply
Applications are open all year, with multiple program start dates throughout the year.
Apply using our online form. This takes about 5 minutes.
Before you start, have ready:
Name and contact details of someone from your organisation or, if you are self-employed or a student, from your community who can support and talk to your application.
Your answers to these 3 questions (100 words or less for each):
Tell us about your leadership journey and aspirations
What impact do you hope to make in your community or workplace?
Why is a scholarship important for your participation?
Frequently Asked Questions
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Next Gen is open to everyone.
Impact is mainly for team leaders and people managers.
Changemakers is for senior leaders and executives.
Still unsure? Contact us for a yarn! We'll be happy to help you choose the right program.
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All of our programs are developed and run by Mob for Mob.
To learn more about our team, please visit our about page.
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No, sorry. Your employer must be either:
An Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation
A First Nations-led not-for-profit
A First Nations-owned and operated business
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Absolutely! Just fill in your details on our contact page.
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No, unfortunately.
You'll need to arrange and pay for your own travel to and from the venue.
Next Gen and Impact face-to-face programs are typically held within Sydney CBD
Changemakers is held at the Rydges, Gold Coast Airport.
What participants say
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![Sienna Coleman | NSW Government Program Manager – Microsoft]()
Sienna Coleman | NSW Dept Planning, Industry & Environment
"I was incredibly lucky to be selected by the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to take part in the Thirriwirri First Peoples Leading program. Over the past three months I had the privilege to share and learn from other First Nations leaders from both private and government sectors. We laughed, we cried, and we learnt an almighty lot about how to lead with purpose, resilience and authenticity. It was an experience that I will take with me through the rest of my career.”
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![Taylah Griffin]()
Taylah Griffin | Aerospace Engineer – Boeing Defence
"As an early career professional, I feel like I'm ahead of the pack having done FPL. This course gave me the skills and confidence that will be foundational to my success as an Indigenous leader. And not only that, I have now created a strong network of mob from around the country who are all amazing leaders in their own right. I couldn't recommend FPL higher.”
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![Jason Darney]()
Jason Darney | Chief Operating Officer TAFE NSW
“Changemakers provided an inspiring few days of sitting in this space thinking and learning about not just the what and how, but understanding the why. Thanks Thirriwirri for creating this space and look forward to continuing these thoughtful discussions with some amazing colleagues.”
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![Charlie Trindall]()
Charlie Trindall | Operations Manager – MLAHMC & Chair ACHIA
“I found the First Peoples Leading Program to be very empowering and informative, having access to the resources and other like minded leaders through the network and the coaches has helped me to aim to be the best leader I can be.”
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![Frances Rings]()
Frances Rings | Artistic Director & Co CEO – Bangarra Dance Theatre
“Thanks to the coaches and facilitators of FPL for guiding us through an experience that at times was confronting and revealing, while always ensuring we were in a safe and trusted environment. I feel so much more aware of not only my own strengths and operating style but how I can best use this to service my role at work and my family.”
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![Alice Beddoes | Qantas]()
Alice Beddoes | Quality Assurance Advisor – Qantas
The content was unique and was not information I have come across anywhere else before. Overall, I loved the course and was so happy to be involved. I will definitely refer to the e-zine a lot.
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![Bree Davidson]()
Bree Davidson | Snr Advisor, Group People Programs – Qantas
I thought the topics were chosen well and pitched at the right level. The presenters did a good job in teaching the concepts and facilitating the discussion and engagement of the group. I also felt they (along with the other participants) created a safe space for sharing thoughts. Starting with the purpose topic was very engaging. Finding your purpose can be an overwhelming task, especially if you read different articles on it, but I really appreciated how simple the program made it.
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![A woman with long blonde hair wearing a navy hoodie with NASA logos, outdoors amid greenery.]()
Jenna Moss | NASCA
I found the course to be incredibly insightful and valuable. I’m very appreciative of the opportunity to be a part of it, and also the opportunity within my position to highly recommend within our org that further NASCA staff be referred to engage in the training.
