The Joan Kirner Emerging Leaders program is ready for a new intake. Who is up for the challenge?

It’s the second intake for the current iteration of the program, which is run by the Institute of Community Directors Australia (publisher of The Community Advocate) and supported by the Victorian Government. The initial intake graduated from the demanding six-week leadership course in late November last year, with graduates enthusing about what they had taken away from the innovative program.

“The personalised approach makes you reflect on your own leadership, or aspirational leadership, rather than just learning theories. The practicality of the program was really helpful,” said one graduate in post-program feedback, while another reflected: “The most useful thing was connecting with so many other amazing emerging leaders, and a great combination or practical and theoretical.”

Of the 39 initial graduates, there was overwhelming support for the quality of the trainer delivery, knowledge and skill development, and ethical consideration, while 100 per cent enjoyed the face-to-face delivery of the course. Participants said they valued the combination of connections, skill development, and confidence building.

The program honours the legacy of the late Joan Kirner AC, the inspirational first female premier in Victoria, by supporting the state’s women and gender diverse people to follow in her footsteps by boosting their leadership abilities, equipping them with practical skills and strategies to advance on their leadership journey.  

It’s for aspiring emerging leaders who are passionate about community, social change or the not-for-profit sector with the six-week program designed to help attendees grow leadership skills, expand networks and build confidence in their voice. 

The six-week program involves interactive learning modules, webinars, small group mentoring circles, leadership strength assessments, one-on-one coaching sessions, and more. A highlight of the first cohort was the in-person graduation ceremony where the bonding and joy of being part of such a positive and inclusive program was evident.

“Everything, the growth and confidence I have developed is noticeable not only to me but the people around me,” one graduate said. “One of the most useful things has been the practical things I can physically do or implement.”

Graduate Phoebe Sinnett, an integrity officer in the health sector, said that her most significant change throughout the program was a refinement of her own vision and purpose as a leader. While she had always held strong intentions, she had not yet felt equipped to act on them, she said, after completing the course. The program helped her understand that as a leader, she did not need to have all the answers, she said.

Victoria’s Minister for Women, Mary-Anne Thomas, said the program aimed to drive systemic change.

“When women lead, organisations benefit from broader perspectives, stronger collaboration and improved outcomes for their communities,” she said.

Community Directors executive director Adele Stowe-Lindner said the program resonates deeply because of its connection to Joan Kirner’s legacy.

“A lot has been done to advance gender equality in leadership, and this program stands on the shoulders of giants. If Joan were with us today, I’m sure she would congratulate you and then ask, ‘What’s next?’”

“Leadership takes courage to try new things, admit errors, ask questions others aren’t asking, and share opinions,” she said. “These things shouldn’t require courage, but they often do.”

More information

Applications for the next cohort close on Monday, March 30 (midnight, end of day) with successful applicants to be notified by Monday, April 20, at the latest.

Successful applicants must: 

• Identify as a woman or gender diverse person  

• Be a Victorian resident  

• Be aged between 22 - 40 years old at the time of application  

• Work in the for-purpose sector  

• Be available to participate in all program components.  

• Have not participated in a previous iteration of the program. 

The program welcomes the involvement of women and gender diverse peoples from all backgrounds. Young women, women from regional and rural areas, First Nations women, women who live with disability, women from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and LGBTQIA+ women are especially encouraged to apply. The key requirement is that you are an emerging leader.