Applications open for First Nations Director Scholarship Program

Nominations are now open for the first round of the First Nations Director Scholarship Program, delivered by the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) in partnership with the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute (AIGI).

This new program is the first of its kind and is targeted at First Nations Directors to emphasise the importance of board training and helping organisations to set their values, strategic direction and vision.

‘It’s for people sitting on committees, looking at getting exposed to the board room, they’re the sorts of people who will benefit from this course and training and mentoring program,’ says AICD First Nations Sector Lead, Justin Agale.  

Justin is a Kariyarra and Meriam (Torres Strait) man from Port Hedland in the Pilbara, Western Australia. Justin saw his mother’s educational leadership in establishing an Aboriginal College in Port Hedland as his first impression of the work of directors.

The National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) has partnered with the AICD to deliver the First Nations Director Scholarship Program. The program aims to support senior First Nations leaders who are ready to step into senior leadership positions.

Participation in the program will strengthen governance capability, helping to ensure First Nations leaders have the skills to be appointed to First Nations and non-First Nations boards. 

‘The sooner we start educating people and getting them ready to sit on a board, means that when the time comes, they’re not playing catch up,’ says Justin.

The program will build a network of directors that incorporates culturally strong leadership, where people are encouraged to bring their culture and experience to the table and are not expected to leave it at the door.

‘Participants will also become part of a community of practice where we’re supporting each other as governance practitioners. We can reach out to other directors within our community and ask for support and advice,’ says Justin. 

AICD is expecting to deliver 135 company director scholarships nationally over three years.

‘Think of the people coming through who are most likely to put their hand up to sit on a board, these are the people that you need to start exposing to board rooms now,’ said Justin.

The AICD specialises in educating directors and creating a community of leaders who are engaged in good governance practices.

The program will combine practical governance education delivered by AICD with a program of culturally relevant and community-informed mentoring and workshops facilitated by AIGI.