Fellowship for Indigenous Leadership

The Fellowship for Indigenous Leadership (FIL) fosters leadership, providing exceptional people with the support they need to achieve their vision for their communities.

The Fellowship invests in recognised leaders and provides opportunities to emerging leaders within Victoria’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The value of the investment in building Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership is to improve the economic as well as the social and emotional wellbeing of communities.

FIL also supports past, present and future Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders who are committed to achieving positive change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians and strengthening links between all Australians.

Over the past 20 years FIL have appointed 5 Fellows, including 1 Senior Fellow, 30 Emerging Leaders, 4 Community Connection/Grassroots, 1 Leadership Bursary Award and a new initiative of an Education Grant.

Many have taken their work across the state, the country and internationally through either direct provision of work, providing expert consultation (content and academic), as well as participation in and speaking at national and international conferences.

They have also contributed to the leadership and governance of major institutions and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations; provide advice to governments; and influence philanthropy practice throughout Victoria and beyond.

Their vision and energy contribute to a better future for all Victorians, including improved health, better educational and economic participation opportunities, enhanced life skills and community connections.

Acknowledgement of Country

The Fellowship for Indigenous Leadership respectfully acknowledges all Traditional Custodians of the land and waterways in Victoria.  We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past, present and future.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

Everyone can play their part in stopping the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a mask when out in the community, avoid unnecessary community travel to stop sickness spreading, using good personal hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water, and using alcohol-based hand sanitisers.

According to health authorities, Victoria is in a double COVID-19 wave with the rapid spread of the JN.1 variant which has sparked a second surge of infections across the state.

We encourage everyone to regularly check the Coronavirus website as well as their COVID-19 information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities | Coronavirus Victoria

COVID-19 has seen many of our community without access to their family and other support, including face to face access to workers from Aboriginal services, leaving many feeling vulnerable and isolated.

The last few months have been hard on many in the community, and not just around COVID-19, so we encourage you to reach out when in need.  A number of services are available:

13YARN – Call 13 92 76

Yarning Safe and Strong 1800 959 563

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

Lifeline 13 11 14