This one-day masterclass is designed specifically for Indigenous staff and future leaders to rise to greater levels of influence, responsibility, and decision-making. It will challenge your assumptions, and expand and develop your mindset, skillset and toolsets to become a more effective leader whilst navigating some of the challenges Indigenous professionals can face in the workplace.

Throughout the day, you will explore frameworks and tools, emotional intelligence, develop your unique leadership style, navigate workplace cultural challenges, learn powerful verbal and nonverbal communication skills, and exert your personal influence and build a foundation for positive influence and success.


Key Course Takeaways:
• Understand the value and importance of leadership for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

• Confidence you need to navigate your role and engage with multiple stakeholders

• Internalise leadership styles, qualities, and behaviours

• Develop strategic leadership skills that are effective & informed by both Indigenous culture & Western best practice

• Deepen cultural awareness & identity in the context of business leadership

• Take Away practical skills such as negotiating, problem-solving and above-the-line thinking

• Develop your unique, authentic leadership style

• Influence and engage with others with more impact and presence

• Deepen & broaden your worldview and ability to coordinate different perspectives

• Contribute to the development of Indigenous leaders and staff within your organisation

Join Jennifer for a deep dive into the future of Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) post-referendum. Uncover the pivotal role RAPs play in contributing to a just, equitable and reconciled nation through measurable progress on the five dimensions of reconciliation.

As First Nations people and allies respond to the referendum result, Jennifer will demonstrate how RAPs offer a proven strategy for organisations in the early stage of their journey and share how Reconciliation Australia is challenging leading RAP organisations to do more. Hear how RAPs offerilluminate pathways towards fostering unity and harmony, offering a practical roadmap for translating referendum outcomes into sustainable action within communities and workplaces

Join the renowned actor, Aaron Pedersen, as he shares his poignant journey as an Indigenous figure in,the cinematic world. Through heartfelt anecdotes and insights, Aaron will spotlight the significance of Indigenous representation in film and its broader implications for society.
Understand why being recognised and seen as an Indigenous actor isn’t merely about roles, but also about reshaping narratives, breaking stereotypes, and creating a more inclusive industry.

A great CEO understands the pivotal leadership plays in amplifying promotional avenues for Indigenous staff. This session illuminates a journey of fostering organic talent, integrating cultural insights, and instilling confidence within Indigenous professionals. By delving into real-world strategies and success stories, attendees will discover the transformative power of visionary leadership that goes beyond token gestures. Here, you’ll understand how genuine commitment and tailored strategies can truly make the difference, setting a gold standard for inclusivity and empowerment in the corporate sphere.

In this key session, Chris will shed light on their strategies and initiatives that prioritise equality and equity, underscoring the company’s dedication to creating a united front. Attendees will gain insights into how a major utility integrates cultural respect and unity in its growth vision and work cooperatively with First Nations employees to embed cultural understanding and respect.

Rosli Wheelock, the pioneering General Manager at Fortescue Metals, offers a deep dive into his unprecedented journey to become the first Indigenous GM of a mine. “Walking the Talk” encapsulates Rosli’s ascent, marked by determination, resilience, and seizing opportunities. Drawing from his experiences within Fortescue, he’ll underscore the importance of working for a company that creates spaces for Indigenous talent and have a commitment to inclusive growth.

Attendees will gain a firsthand perspective of Rosli’s path, as he offers inspiration and actionable insights for those looking to break barriers and forge new leadership pathways in their respective fields.

This session reflects on Starlight’s journey in nurturing Indigenous potential, intertwining cultural understanding with genuine leadership commitment. Louise will share firsthand the strategies which have led to authentic inclusivity & true belonging. Attendees will gain insight into how tailored strategies, underpinned by genuine commitment, can reshape organizational cultures, championing Indigenous leadership and setting benchmarks for others to consider.

In 2004, Casey Donovan became the youngest ever winner of Australian Idol. Winning a reality television show brought both positive and negative experiences for her. The success of her debut album gave way to media coverage of her weight, family struggles, and being dropped by her record label.. Despite battling personal struggles in the public eye, Casey persevered with an entertainment career, winning critical acclaim for her performances in The Sapphires and The Flowerchildren The Mamas and Papas Story. Today, she is widely recognised as one of Australia’s most celebrated Indigenous entertainers with a career spanning music, stage, and screen. In this candid account of her career and rise to fame, Casey shares her personal experiences, including her family life, love for music, and how those tough times fortified her to make it in the entertainment industry.

This session delves deep into the transformative paths corporate Australia can traverse to uplift its First Nations employees. Exploring actionable strategies, from tailored mentorship to cultural sensitivity training, the discussion emphasises a holistic approach that acknowledges traditional knowledge and values. As First Nations communities strive for recognition and equality, the corporate sector plays an instrumental role. Attendees will gain insights into fostering inclusive workplaces, recognising Indigenous talent, and creating symbiotic relationships that drive both business innovation and social progress.

Bruce Pascoe, Enterprise Professor (Indigenous Agriculture), School of Agriculture, Melbourne University and acclaimed author of “Dark Emu”, will delve into the heart of showcasing Indigenous voices, shedding light on centuries-old narratives often overlooked. Drawing from his meticulous research, Professor Pascoe aims to reframe mainstream perceptions, emphasising the rich tapestry of Indigenous histories and accomplishments. Delegates will understand the need to elevate Indigenous history in contemporary dialogues and the disservice that has been done to Indigenous history in Australian culture. This session promises to be an eye-opener for those committed to genuine understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures.

Denni Francisco, the creative force behind NGALI, takes the spotlight with her session. Denni shares her trailblazing journey of integrating Indigenous narratives into global fashion. Attendees will learn about the challenges, breakthroughs, and the importance of authentic representation. Through a blend of personal anecdotes and industry insights, she’ll showcase how Indigenous designers can make impactful marks on the international fashion landscape. This session promises inspiration, emphasising the significance of cultural roots in crafting global fashion stories.

In this key session, Brendan will shed light on the art of initiating social change from within governmental structures. Drawing upon his tenure in a range of Government agencies including the
ACT Government, Brandan will elucidate how bureaucracies, often seen as rigid, can be conduits for meaningful societal transformation. He will emphasise the pivotal role of Indigenous voices in shaping policy, ensuring it resonates with genuine community needs. Brendan will do a deep dive into the challenges, triumphs, and strategies that underpin successful inside-out social change.

Former pro triathlete and NFP veteran, Ben, leverages his unique sports-to-business journey to innovate for Indigenous and remote communities. With a 15-year track record across education and business transformation, he brings novel problem-solving skills to the task of Indigenous Literacy and education. In this discussion, Ben will share his non-traditional leadership tactics and the impactful literacy initiatives by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation that are rewriting the narrative for children in regional areas.

A great CEO understands the pivotal leadership plays in amplifying promotional avenues for
Indigenous staff. This session illuminates a journey of fostering organic talent, integrating cultural insights, and instilling confidence within Indigenous professionals. By delving into real-world strategies and success stories, attendees will discover the transformative power of visionary leadership that goes beyond token gestures. Here, you’ll understand how genuine commitment and tailored strategies can truly make the difference, setting a gold standard for inclusivity and empowerment in the corporate sphere.

A great organisation understands the pivotal role leadership plays in amplifying promotional avenues for Indigenous staff. This session illuminates CASA’s journey to fostering organic talent, integrating cultural insights, and instilling confidence within their Indigenous staff. By delving into real-world strategies and success stories, attendees will discover the transformative power of visionary leadership that goes beyond token gestures. Here, you’ll understand how genuine commitment and tailored strategies can truly make the difference, setting a gold standard for inclusivity and empowerment in the corporate sphere.

The economic participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples provides a real path to reconciliation – and also allows the strengthening of ethical behaviour whilst working more effectively with Indigenous communities.

This half-day workshop will give organisations and individuals the skills to strengthen ethical behaviour by developing an understanding of obligations and responsibilities to Land and to each other - as Aboriginal people have practised for thousands of years. You will build your cultural capability to work effectively with members of the Aboriginal community and lead Aboriginal staff with greater impact and empathy. Most importantly,you will improve retention of Aboriginal staff, make sure your employers, supervisors, and workplaces understand Aboriginal experience and what they can do to make Aboriginal employment work.

Key Benefits of Attending

·Gain knowledge and awareness of cultural identity in relation to colleagues, clients, customers, suppliers and the wider community
·Appreciate the different behavioural styles of people from different cultures
·Understand the type of languages (written and spoken) that is generated in a particular field and the cultural assumptions and underpinning language
·Gain a greater attitude of tolerance towards differences
·Upskill your ability to work more harmoniously
· Appreciate Aboriginal approaches to teaching and more effectively with others learning
·Put advice and information into appropriate language for the receiver

Reconciliation Action Plans make a massive difference across all sectors in Australian workplaces. RAPs are a powerful tool for advancing reconciliation in Australia. RAP frameworks assist organisations to foster relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities, organisations, and the broader Australian community, all the while embedding respect for the world’s longest surviving culture. By developing a nationally recognised, tried and tested model for workplaces to formalisecommitments to reconciliation, RAPs help to foster a community of shared value, goals and a common language when it comes to reconciliation. This half day workshop is for organisations at any stage of RAP development, implementation or refinement. It will cover initial development of ideas, activities or programs which align with your particular business or brand and work to support Indigenous communities and people. It will provide advice on all aspects of RAP development around the three pillars of Respect, Relationships and Opportunities including Indigenous employment, recruitment and retention, cultural protocols, developing partnerships and sponsorships, establishing networks and engaging with Indigenous communities in your organisation’s region and more broadly.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Implement a tried and tested framework that is proven to drive reconciliation through
practical actions
• Turn your organisation’s good intentions into action by formalising your organisation’s
commitment to reconciliation
• Reaffirm institutional integrity by embedding an engaging framework contributingtowards
good governance practices
• Join a dynamic, supportive and fast growing network of RAP organisations
• Gain greater esteem as an employer of choice and build a more dynamic and diverse
workforce
• Enable your staff to develop greater cultural awareness and professional development
practices that will strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
stakeholders
• Ensure more effective and relevant service delivery to Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander
peoples and communities