We’re proud to deliver the Aboriginal Leadership Program in partnership with Tauondi Aboriginal College and the Office of the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment (OCPSE), we are committed to fostering culturally safe leadership development across the South Australian public sector.

This three-month program provides Aboriginal employees with the opportunity to grow as confident, inclusive leaders. Through a culturally safe and supportive learning environment, participants build leadership capability, deepen self-awareness, and expand their professional networks.

Program features include:

• Herrmann Whole Brain Thinking assessment to explore personal leadership styles
• Workshops facilitated by Aboriginal leaders and sector experts
• Networking sessions across SA government and ACCO sectors
• Alumni events to support ongoing development and connection

Download the Aboriginal Leadership Program Brochure (PDF)

The total investment for the Aboriginal Leadership Program is $4,400 + GST.

This includes:

• Participation in all program modules and sessions
• Access to culturally relevant learning materials and resources
• Support from Aboriginal facilitators and program coordinators
• Catering and venue costs for in-person sessions
• Ongoing connection through alumni events and networking opportunities

The Aboriginal Leadership Program is designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees in the South Australian public sector or Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) who are ready to invest in their career and grow as confident, culturally grounded leaders.

The South Australian Leadership Academy recognises that leadership journeys are diverse and shaped by lived experience, community connection, and professional aspirations. This program supports that complexity by providing a culturally inclusive and safe environment where participants can explore leadership through both contemporary and cultural lenses.

Open to employees across all levels, the program is best suited to those who have not yet undertaken formal leadership development through the Academy and are seeking to build leadership capability and make a positive impact in their workplace and community.

If you're unsure about your eligibility, we encourage you to discuss your participation with your manager or agency leadership team.

Who should attend

This program is ideal for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees who:

• Are aspiring leaders at any stage of their career
• Are newly stepping into leadership responsibilities
• Seek greater confidence and capability to thrive at work
• Have not yet participated in professional development through the South Australian Leadership Academy
• Are committed to developing themselves and supporting others

Eligibility criteria

Participants must:

• Be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
• Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• Be accepted as such by the community in which they live or have lived
• Be ready to build leadership capability in a culturally safe environment

Express your interest

Are you ready to take the next step in your leadership journey?

The Aboriginal Leadership Program is a unique opportunity to invest in your personal and professional development. Over several months, you’ll strengthen your leadership capability, build cultural confidence, and connect with a supportive network of peers across the public and ACCO sectors.

If you're interested in attending a future intake, we encourage you to:

• Speak with your direct line manager
• Connect with your HR, organisational development, or learning and development team
• Explore how this program aligns with your career goals and development plan

Note: This program is currently available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees of the South Australian Public Sector or Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations only.

The Aboriginal Leadership Program is currently undergoing a strategic review with an intent to deliver a refreshed, co-designed offering in 2026. Further information about the new program will be shared as soon as it becomes available. 

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander public sector employees are encouraged to explore and participate in other relevant South Australian Leadership Academy leadership development programs.

To register, please visit the South Australian Leadership Academy Registration Portal:

Access the Registration Form (closed)

Registration schedule

Visit the Registration Schedule for current intake availability and key dates.

Frequently asked questions

View the Leadership Development Programs Frequently Asked Questions.

We understand that circumstances can change. Below are the cancellation terms for the Aboriginal Leadership Program – Intake 4 (February – April 2025):

Please note: All cancellation terms are based on working days, not calendar days.

View the Event Cancellation Policy

If you have questions about the Aboriginal Leadership Program or enquiries about your current registration, enrolment status or invoicing, please contact the South Australian Leadership Academy team:

• Email: OCPSELeadershipAcademy@sa.gov.au
• Phone: 1800 317 333

Graduates of the Aboriginal Leadership Program become part of the South Australian Leadership Academy’s Alumni Network, where they will be invited to:

• Participate in group coaching sessions
• Engage in peer learning opportunities
• Attend exclusive leadership events and networking forums

This ongoing connection supports continued growth, collaboration, and impact across the public sector.

To continue receiving updates, please ensure your contact details are kept up to date, especially when moving across government departments.

For more information, visit our Alumni Workshops and Events page.

Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation (ACCO) Scholarships

Each year, up to five scholarships are available to support eligible employees of Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) to participate in the Aboriginal Leadership Program. Please note that this opportunity is not available to government employees.

These scholarships aim to enhance access to leadership development opportunities for individuals from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds within South Australia's Aboriginal communities.

For further information about the Aboriginal Leadership Program Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation (ACCO) Scholarships, please contact the South Australian Leadership Academy team:

• Email: OCPSELeadershipAcademy@sa.gov.au
• Phone: 1800 317 333

Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Scholarships

It is anticipated that the Aboriginal Leadership Program will offer Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Scholarships to eligible government employees as part of the refreshed, co-designed program to be scheduled for release in 2026.

Further details will be shared through future whole-of-government communications, aligned with the biannual opening of the Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Scholarships.

For further information on scholarship opportunities please visit the Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Scholarships page.