Applications of 2026 Leadership Masterclass are closed
Are you an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Worker or Health Practitioner ready to elevate your leadership skills?
Take the next step in your career with our fully funded Leadership Masterclass program.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Effective leadership is essential to ensuring policies and programs meet the needs of our communities. The NAATSIHWP Leadership Masterclass is designed to strengthen the professional journeys of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners, while remaining grounded in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing.
The Leadership Masterclass is an intensive 10-day program designed to assist Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners to strengthen their leadership skills and advance their careers in managerial and executive positions.
The Masterclass will be facilitated by a diverse group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders. The program is underpinned by an Aboriginal Terms of Reference and aims to empower participants by strengthening their understanding and capabilities in areas critical to leadership roles. Modules focus on topics such as Indigenous governance, self-care, conflict resolution and financial management.
By the end of the Leadership Masterclass, participants will be equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to step into leadership positions with confidence and cultural integrity.
The 2026 Leadership Masterclass will take place on Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country across two face-to-face training blocks to be held over:
- 13 – 17 April 2026
- 18 – 22 May 2026
Participants of the program will be expected to attend both training blocks. The completion of at home may tasks may also be required following some sessions.
The program is fully funded. All successful delegates will have their travel, accommodation, and costs necessary to participate in the program covered by NAATSIHWP. This includes the payment of travel allowance.
KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Emotional Wellbeing and Cultural Connections: Cultivating a deeper understanding of emotional wellbeing and cultural connections as essential foundations for navigating challenges in the workplace.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership and Governance: Strengthening knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership practices, governance, and the application of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander terms of reference across managerial tasks.
- Interpersonal Skills: Acquiring practical tools to address interpersonal challenges with professional and cultural integrity.
- Financial Competence: Building confidence in understanding financial statements, accounting language, and applying these skills effectively in leadership and governance roles.
- Personal Leadership Growth: Enhancing awareness of one’s leadership journey, with a focus on cultural motivations, network building, and managing professional relationships.
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for the program you must:
- Be a NAATSIHWP Full Member at the time of application. If you are not a member and would like to apply please join here . Note : If you would like to confirm your membership status, please contact our membership team at membership@naatsihwp.org.au .
- Be currently employed in a management (or equivalent/higher) position or undertake managerial tasks within your role.
- Submit a completed application form and provide a workplace letter of support before applications close. Note: Workplace letters of support are used to demonstrate that your employer will support you to take leave during the Leadership Masterclass training block only – they will not be used to assess suitability of applicants.
ASSESSMENT PROCESS
All applications will be assessed by an independent panel and recommendations will be forwarded to the NAATSIHWP CEO and/or Board for final decision. All successful applicants will be notified of the outcome via phone followed by an email confirmation.
Applicants will be assessed against the following criteria:
- If your role and the alignment of your personal motivations with NAATSIHWP’s values
- Your professional challenges and leadership approach
- Your reasons for applying to the Masterclass and professional goals
The Leadership Masterclass is a highly competitive program, and NAATSIHWP will only be accepting 10 participants for the 2026 cohort. We encourage applicants to highlight their accomplishments and share their motivations to stand out during the application process.
Hear from previous participants about how their experience of the NAATSIHWP Leadership Masterclass
“ I believe that everything I learnt through the course has given me the confidence to be a better leader for my mob and community.”
“The classes were not what I expected. The delivery of context relating to culture and sense of belonging, sharing and overall continuity of learning was an enjoyable experience.”
“I will be forever grateful for everything I learnt, connections I made and just being in the presence of other First Nations Leaders - that has made a huge impact on my journey. This leadership master class has made me love myself more and what I bring to the table for my people in the Health sector.”
“I came away from the Masterclass understanding the key concepts required for high level leadership including governance, finances, networking, influencing and the information was provided by knowledgeable First Nations Leaders”
CONTACT
If you or your employer requires further information or assistance with the application, please email your questions to policy@naatsihwp.org.au .