Vision
The Aboriginal Emerging Leaders Program supports Aboriginal employees across the South Australian public sector to recognise their strengths, strengthen their influence and prepare for future leadership opportunities.
This culturally grounded,
Aboriginal-led program creates a supportive space for participants to explore leadership identity, cultural strength, workplace influence and career development.
First cohort: February 2027
Location: Adelaide
Delivery: Three face-to-face program days
Who is the program for?
The program is designed for Aboriginal employees in the South Australian public sector who are:
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generally employed at ASO4 or equivalent and below;
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beginning to lead through their role, relationships or workplace influence;
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interested in developing greater confidence and leadership capability;
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preparing for future career or leadership opportunities; or
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looking for culturally safe professional development.
Participants do not need to supervise staff or hold a formal leadership position.
The program journey
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1. Know Self
Participants explore their strengths, values, leadership identity and existing capabilities.
This module focuses on self-awareness, confidence, emotional intelligence and recognising the leadership participants may already demonstrate in their workplace, family and community.
2. Stand Strong in Culture
Participants consider the connection between culture, identity, wellbeing and leadership.
The module explores cultural strength, cultural load, boundaries, resilience, support networks and practical strategies for maintaining wellbeing while leading in the workplace.
3. Lead with Influence
Leadership is not limited to formal authority.
Participants strengthen their communication, credibility and confidence while learning practical ways to influence decisions, contribute ideas, build relationships and navigate challenging workplace conversations.
4. Step Forward
Participants explore their next leadership and career-development opportunities.
This includes identifying mentors, sponsors, allies and professional networks, preparing for career conversations and creating a practical 90-Day Leadership Action Plan.
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How does the program work?
The program includes three face-to-face days in Adelaide.
Days 1 and 2 are delivered consecutively and focus on leadership identity, cultural strength, communication and workplace influence.
Between Days 2 and 3, participants complete one small and realistic Workplace Leadership Action. This may include contributing an idea in a meeting, requesting a development conversation, connecting with a workplace ally or proposing a practical workplace improvement.
Day 3 is held approximately three weeks later. Participants reflect on their workplace action, receive peer support, explore career pathways and complete their 90-Day Leadership Action Plan.
The program uses:
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yarning and facilitated group conversations;
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storytelling and shared learning;
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practical workplace scenarios;
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individual reflection and creative activities;
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peer learning and coaching;
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leadership and career-planning tools; and
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a comprehensive participant workbook.
A culturally safe learning environment
The Aboriginal Emerging Leaders Program is:
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Aboriginal-led;
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culturally grounded;
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strengths-based;
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trauma-informed;
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practical and workplace focused; and
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respectful of participants’ individual experiences and choices.
Participants will never be required to share personal, cultural or workplace information they do not feel comfortable discussing.
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