First Nations governance training empowers new leaders

Delivered by the Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA) in partnership with the Victorian Public Sector Commission and funded by the Victorian Government, the initiative equips First Nations participants with the skills and confidence to lead with cultural integrity.

Sixty-two emerging and established First Nations leaders from across the state gathered last weekend for a highlight of the two-month program: a day-long workshop at Community Directors headquarters at Our Community House, on Wurundjeri country in North Melbourne.

Facilitator and Community Directors Council member Jahna Cedar – a Nyiyaparli woman from Western Australia – said participants embraced the chance to learn and share.

“This was a powerful group of emerging and established First Nations leaders,” Cedar said.

“People yarned openly, compared experiences, asked big questions, and reflected on what good governance looks like through both a cultural and corporate lens.”

The workshop co-facilitated by Community Directors trainer Jon Staley, covered core concepts including board roles and responsibilities, legal duties, strategic thinking, and ethical decision-making. It also helped participants to weave cultural ways of knowing into mainstream governance practice.

“For many, it was the first time they’d had a space where cultural ways of knowing and corporate systems were brought together with respect,” Cedar said. “That made the learning land deeply.”

The setting reinforced these themes, with Indigenous artworks throughout Our Community House highlighting a sense of belonging and cultural pride. Small group discussions and the weekend timing also reinforced the participants’ commitment.

“Giving up their Saturday wasn’t just about ticking a training box, it was an act of leadership,” Cedar said.

“Stepping into these spaces is more than professional development, it’s a cultural responsibility, to uphold the legacy of those who’ve come before us, and to ensure our voices continue to shape systems from the inside out.”

The program is part of a broader strategy to boost First Nations representation and influence on Victorian public sector boards. Participants will be positioned to take on leadership roles in government entities, community organisations, and corporate structures, with a strong understanding of how to integrate culture and accountability.

Cedar, a long-time collaborator with the Institute of Community Directors Australia said the organisation’s values were central to her ongoing involvement.

“ICDA has always shown integrity, honesty and a genuine commitment to amplifying First Nations voices, not just as a one off, but embedded in how they work. It’s a relationship built on trust, mutual respect and shared purpose, and that’s why I keep showing up.”

With more sessions to come, Cedar said the program offers a rare opportunity for First Nations Australians to “walk away feeling confident, culturally strong, and inspired to own their place at the decision-making table”.

“I want mob to know that they don’t have to choose between culture and governance, both can and should sit side by side. When cultural and corporate governance come together, we create safer, more effective decision-making spaces that reflect who we are and what we value.”

“My hope is that this course sparks something in the participants, that they feel equipped and motivated to lead with purpose, on their own terms.”

She said that participants would also be able to take away lessons they could apply in their workplace, community organisations, or future board roles.

Community Directors training lead Nina Laitala said, “The generosity, engagement and positivity that participants brought to Our Community House during the workshop made a cold and rainy day in Naarm feel warm and light.”

Laitala said it was a privilege “hearing the diverse perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander folks who had travelled from all corners of Victoria to learn together”.

She said the group had shared “deep discussions about governance, leadership, culture, lore and law” and highlighted the many challenges and opportunities facing First Nations communities across Australia.

Laitala was confident that participants were now more knowledgeable about “what it means to be a strong leader and to uphold strong governance in Victorian organisations”.

Learn more about the First Nations Board Governance program here.