Fellowship for Indigenous Leadership
Supporting achievement and vision for a stronger community
Introduction
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 in a culturally safe and respectful way. 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 21 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.
The Alumni have been appointed from the Melbourne metropolitan area and regional Victoria. This has included Bendigo, Cann River, Castlemaine, Echuca, Elmore, Heywood, Kialla, Lakes Entrance, Lara, Mildura, Mornington Peninsula, Sale, Shepparton, Traralgon, and Wodonga.
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
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
The last few years 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
Dardi Munwurro Aboriginal Men’s Support Line – Call 1800 435 799
Latest News
For over 21 years, the Fellowship for Indigenous Leadership has been privileged to support and walk alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders across Victoria. We launched a new series that celebrates these incredible journeys. Each story highlights the resilience, vision, and impact of leaders who are driving positive change in their communities with the Fellowship’s support.
Join us as we honour these voices, their achievements, and their contribution.
The following are some of the quotes from the Alumni:
My leadership journey really began with the FIL and understanding myself—my strengths, values, and areas for growth. Being recognised as an Emerging Leader in 2009 now reflects a powerful story of growth, resilience and transformative impact that has shaped my approach to lead with compassion and strength. Ngarra Murray
Leadership means so many things, leading with integrity, to inspire, guide and empower others. I have never been one to stand on the podium and take the credit, rather I prefer to lead and stand with my team who together can achieve great things. FIL has provided me with access to so many inspiring leaders and their individual journeys and challenges, providing a safe place to learn and support one another. In 2024 I was recognised as on the top 50 women in the public sector as an executive leader, FIL has supported me in this journey. Melissa Harrison
Being a part of the FIL has meant I got opportunities to mix with a diverse group of leaders and hear and see a variety of leadership styles. The humility and wisdom of the leaders I have worked alongside I am grateful for this honour. It has been a privilege to be a part of FIL and the fellowship came at a time when the work I had carried out for over 20 years was ready to be shared and developed broader. Stephanie Armstrong OAM
It’s knowing you have support and people you can reach out to when you need. FIL held a supportive space for the Alumni to grow in our own individual way as leaders, supporting and nurturing our interests and offering opportunities that develop our leadership journey. On my own journey I seek opportunities to give back to my community with gratitude for what I have received as a FIL Emerging Leader. Terori Hareko-Avaivilla
FIL helped me have the breathing space in my life (when I received the award) to undertake a more conscious leadership pathway. Peter Aldenhoven
The following is a presentation of the work of some of the Alumni during 2023 – 2024 through the Fellowship for Indigenous Leadership:
The Fellowship for Indigenous Leadership is a unique diverse network – these are some of our Alumni:
Alumni Projects 2022 – 2023
The following is a presentation of the work of some of the Alumni during 2022 – 2023 through the Fellowship for Indigenous Leadership: