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. 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.
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.
As of 1 November 2023 Australia appears to be on the cusp of an eighth COVID-19 wave, with an increase in cases across the country.
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
We all need to protect our families, our Elders and our Communities so stay safe everyone as COVID is still in our communities.
Our Survival Day 2023
In January 2023 the Fellowship for Indigenous Leadership were a sponsor of Our Survival Day 2023 organised by Our Songlines held at The Briars, Mt Martha on Bunurong land, of the Boon Wurrung Language Group within the Kulin Nation.
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 emerging.
Latest News
Launch of the Dunyak Moira Project
After 2 years of working on this project with Goulburn Valley Water and many others, Burnanga Indigenous Fishing Club were able to be part of the Dunyak Moira Project Launch on 11 October 2023.
Uncle Des Morgan opened the ceremony and launch with a Welcome to Country, a few words from Club President, Corey Walker and the unveiling of the signage with Goulburn Valley Water Chairman, Mark Stone.
Well done to the Burnanga Team and all those involved!
Click on the video below of the launch or to find out more information, or read the media release: https://www.gvwater.vic.gov.au/dunyak-moira
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sports Awards 2023
The Fellowship for Indigenous Leadership were proud to be a sponsor of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sports Awards 2023.
In honour of Uncle Kevin Coombs OAM PLY, FIL sponsored the National Sportsperson with a Disability Award which was awarded to Amanda Reid OAM an Australian Paralympic swimmer and cyclist.
Congratulations Amanda!
Uncle Colin Hunter, Wurundjeri Elder provided the Welcome to Country, Shelley Ware was the host, there was a one on one conversation with AFL legend Eddie Betts and entertainment by Uncle Kutcha Edwards.
Uncle Kevin Coombs was also honoured with the National Sports Trailblazer Award accepted by his daughters, Janine Coombs and Rose Falla.
We would like to congratulate all the nominations and winners and Nathan Lovett-Murray on creating and organising this well deserved event.
To read about all the winners go to our Files & Videos section and read the article titled NITV – From field to pitch, here are the winners of the 2023 National Indigenous Sporting Awards November 2023.
Alumni Projects 2022 – 2023
The following is a presentation of the work of some of the Alumni over the last 12 months through the Fellowship for Indigenous Leadership: