Special cabinet meeting addressed by emerging Indigenous leaders

A special cabinet meeting was addressed by emerging leaders of the Territory’s remote communities.

2023 First Circles Program with Chief Minister Natasha Fyles at Parliament House.

Emerging leaders from remote Indigenous communities addressed the highest level of government at a special cabinet meeting last week in Darwin.

A total of 18 leaders from across the Territory offered advice and guidance on policies, projects and initiatives that impact Aboriginal Territorians and remote communities.

The presentation to cabinet completed the group’s First Circles Leadership Program – a flagship program aimed to identify, mentor and support future leaders from remote communities.

Local Decision Making Minister Selena Uibo, a graduate of the program herself, said it was important that emerging community leaders “work directly’ with government to “create change”.

Photo caption: First Circles members outside ParliamentBack row: Andrea Andrews, Jacob Puautjimi, Sheila White, Jordan O’Brien, Ted GondarraMiddle row: Ronnie Agnew, Lazarus Manbulloo, Timothy Simon, Kevin Collins, Jessica Phillips, Leah Narul-HoltFront row: Evelyn Morgan, Dianne Reid, Stephanie Anderson, Minay WunungmurraSeated: Maythan Long, Wesley Campbell, Brendan Wunungmurra

“As a First Circles member in 2015, I valued the opportunity the program presented in focusing on solutions in my remote community. It is important as government that we support people in regional and remote communities to enhance their leadership skills,” Ms Ubio said.

“First Circles is a program for emerging community leaders to share their stories and ideas and to work directly with the government to create change at a local level and have their voices heard.”

The program conducted workshops across the Territory and the group also attended the NT Aboriginal Leadership and Governance Forum in Alice Springs.

First Circles member Wesley Campbell, of the Yarralin community, said the program had “enhanced” his skills which would “positively influence” the Territory.

“Being a member of the First Circles Leadership Program has enhanced my knowledge of leadership and provided opportunities to step outside my comfort zone and grow,” he said.

“Knowledge is power and strong leadership is essential to positively influence and contribute to our communities and regions.”

Fellow member Andrea Andrews, of the Barunga community, said she wanted to “excel” in leadership – like her father.

“Leadership is an area that I want to excel in, following in my father’s footsteps … I want young men and women to see how amazing it will be to be a First Circles member,” she said.

“To come and experience great opportunities to gain more skills and knowledge. To learn about government policies and processes and how to best influence positive decision making to achieve better outcomes for our communities.”

For more information on applications for the 2024 First Circles Leadership Program, visit aboriginalaffairs.nt.gov.au