Supporting the Growth of Aboriginal Leaders in the Northern Territory

UNE Partnerships was honoured to deliver the 2026 Kigaruk and Lookrukin Aboriginal Leadership Development Program (ALDP) on behalf of the Northern Territory Government’s Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment (OCPE).

For more than two decades, the Aboriginal Leadership Development Program has played a vital role in building leadership capability across the Northern Territory Public Service.

Developed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander middle managers, the program provides opportunities to:

• Strengthen leadership capability
• Build confidence and professional influence
• Develop practical management skills
• Prepare for future leadership responsibilities
• Progress towards senior leadership roles

A Program Grounded in Culture

Named with deep cultural significance, Kigaruk for men and Lookrukin for women, the program is built on culturally safe learning practices that recognise and celebrate Aboriginal knowledge, lived experience and connection to community.

Participants are encouraged to draw on their cultural strengths while developing the practical leadership capabilities needed to create positive outcomes within their workplaces, communities and across the public sector.

Since its inception in 2003, the Aboriginal Leadership Development Program has:

• Supported more than 175 graduates
• Strengthened the pipeline of Aboriginal leaders across the Northern Territory Public Service
• Contributed to more culturally informed decision-making across government
• Created opportunities for participants to grow both professionally and personally

The ongoing success of the program highlights the importance of investing in leadership development that empowers individuals while delivering broader benefits for organisations, communities and the people they serve.

A Proud Contribution

UNE Partnerships was proud to support the 2026 cohort on their leadership journey and to contribute to a program that continues to make a meaningful difference across the Northern Territory.

We congratulate all participants on their commitment, achievement and dedication to leadership, and wish them every success as they continue to make an impact within their workplaces and communities.

Find Out More

The Kigaruk and Lookrukin Aboriginal Leadership Development Program has been supporting the growth of Aboriginal leaders in the Northern Territory Public Service for more than 20 years. To learn more about the program and its impact, click here.

Finding experienced Duty Managers, Floor Managers and Team Leaders have become one of the biggest workforce challenges facing clubs across NSW. While many clubs continue to recruit externally, the strongest leadership candidate could already be working your floor, behind the bar or supervising your next shift.

The question isn’t always where to find new leaders. It’s how to develop the ones you already have.

What makes a great club leader?

A quick look at current job advertisements shows that clubs are looking for much more than operational experience. Today’s leaders are expected to:

• Lead and motivate diverse teams
• Communicate confidently with members, staff and stakeholders
• Make sound decisions in fast-paced environments
• Manage conflict professionally
• Understand compliance and governance requirements
• Coach and develop others

These skills aren’t developed overnight, and they’re rarely learned through compliance training alone. They come from ongoing development, mentoring and practical leadership experience.

Three ways to build leadership from within

Developing future leaders doesn’t have to mean sending staff away for days of training. In fact, some of the most successful clubs are embedding leadership development into everyday work.

1. Identify potential early

Leadership potential isn’t always found in the loudest voice or the longest-serving employee. Look for team members who take initiative, support their colleagues, solve problems and consistently demonstrate a positive attitude.

2. Invest before vacancies arise

Many clubs wait until a leadership position becomes available before thinking about development. By giving emerging leaders access to structured learning before they’re promoted, they can step into new roles with greater confidence and capability.

3. Choose learning that fits around the job

With shift work and busy rosters, flexibility matters. Online and nationally recognised training allows staff to continue working while building practical skills they can apply immediately in the workplace.

Why investing in your people pays off

Developing existing employees offers benefits that go well beyond filling leadership vacancies. Clubs that invest in their people often see stronger staff engagement, improved retention, greater consistency in customer service and a more confident leadership team.

Employees also value organisations that invest in their professional development, making it easier to retain talented people in an increasingly competitive labour market.

Supporting clubs to develop future leaders

For more than 40 years, UNE Partnerships has been helping organisations develop capable, confident leaders through flexible, nationally recognised training.

Programs can be tailored to suit the needs of clubs and hospitality venues, with options ranging from short professional development courses through to nationally recognised qualifications and Fee-Free Traineeships for eligible NSW employees.

As the demands on club leaders continue to grow, investing in leadership development is no longer just a nice-to-have, it’s a practical strategy for building capability, strengthening teams and preparing for the future.

The next great leader in your club may already be there. They may simply need the opportunity to develop.

Whether you’re developing emerging leaders or planning for future growth, Matthew Beal can help you explore the right training pathway for your club.

Call: 02 6773 2804  or 1800 762 625

Email: matthew.beal@unep.edu.au

Enquiry: Complete the form below

What to Look for in a Healthcare Administration or Allied Health Course

The healthcare sector is rapidly expanding and taking the next step in your career requires the right qualification. Whether you are aiming for a role in healthcare administration and practice management or looking to work more directly with patients in an allied health support role, choosing the right course is critical to your success.

Here is what you need to look for when evaluating healthcare administration and allied health courses.

• Practical Placement Requirements: Theory is important, but practical application is essential across both healthcare administration and allied health. Look for courses that integrate real-world scenarios, workplace learning, or placements. Gaining hands-on experience ensures you graduate with the confidence and skills needed to succeed in a healthcare environment.
• Strong Industry Alignment: Top-tier courses are built in collaboration with industry bodies and healthcare professionals. For example, courses endorsed by the Australian Association of Practice Management help ensure the curriculum reflects current industry standards. This alignment gives your qualification immediate credibility with employers.
• Clear Job Outcomes: Your study should lead directly to career progression. Review the specific job outcomes of the course carefully. Healthcare administration qualifications may lead to roles in medical reception, administration, and practice management, while allied health courses can support pathways into patient care and clinical support roles.
• Course Duration and Flexibility: Healthcare workers often manage demanding rosters and busy schedules. It is important to find a course that offers flexible online learning options. The ability to study at your own pace means you can balance your education with your current job and personal commitments without burning out.

Kaye Amos-Fleming, UNE Partnerships Education Manager, highlights why this matters: “The healthcare industry moves at a rapid pace and clinics need professionals who are ready on day one. We ensure our students have the practical skills and industry backing they need to step confidently into medical administration and management roles.” 

Many modern training providers, like UNE Partnerships, offer flexible, nationally recognised online options designed for working professionals just like you. Contact UNE Partnerships today to see how we can help you www.unep.edu.au, 1800 066 128 or ask@unep.edu.au

Making the decision to further your education is a big career step. The next critical choice is deciding exactly how you want to learn. Will you choose the traditional classroom or the modern online environment?  

Here is a breakdown of the two delivery modes to help you decide. 

• Flexibility versus Structure. Classrooms offer a rigid routine with set times and physical locations you must attend. Online learning removes these barriers completely. You can study on your commute, during your lunch break, or after the kids are asleep. The classroom comes to wherever you are.
• Self Paced versus Scheduled Learning. Traditional classrooms require everyone to learn at the exact same speed. Online platforms empower you to control your learning pace. You can move quickly through familiar topics and spend extra time absorbing more complex subjects. 
• Suitability for Busy Adults and Parents. Balancing full time work and family commitments is tough. Online learning is built specifically for this juggling act. It gives you the freedom to improve your career without giving up your current income or precious family time.

Kaye Amos-Fleming, UNE Partnerships Education Manager, explains this shift perfectly: “Modern education has to adapt to the student. We see incredible results when busy professionals are given the freedom to fit study around their lives, rather than trying to force their lives around a rigid study schedule.” 

Many modern training providers, like UNE Partnerships, offer flexible, nationally recognised online options designed for working professionals just like you. Contact UNE Partnerships today to see how we can help you www.unep.edu.au, 1800 066 128 or ask@unep.edu.au

Selecting a training provider is one of the most important investments you will make in your career. With so many options available, you need a clear framework to ensure you choose a provider that will deliver real value.  

Here are the four essential criteria you must evaluate before enrolling. 

• Verify the Accreditation. Your qualification must hold weight in the real world. Always confirm the provider is a Registered Training Organisation. Ensure the specific course you are taking is nationally recognised and meets current Australian industry standards.
• Evaluate the Student Support Studying while working requires dedicated assistance. Look for providers that offer comprehensive support systems. You need access to expert educators, responsive administrative teams, and clear communication channels throughout your entire learning journey.
• Examine Course Outcomes. A good course focuses on practical application. The curriculum should teach skills you can immediately apply in your workplace. Look for providers that design their courses in consultation with industry leaders to ensure the content is highly relevant.
• Check Reputation and Reviews. Do your research on what previous students have experienced. Independent platforms provide honest insights into the quality of a provider. Look for high ratings and read the detailed reviews to understand the true student experience.

Ben Gilmore, UNE Partnerships CEO, highlights the importance of this process: “A qualification is only as valuable as the institution behind it. We always encourage prospective students to look closely at accreditation and independent reviews, because transparency is the hallmark of a high quality education provider.” 

Many modern training providers, like UNE Partnerships, offer flexible, nationally recognised online options designed for working professionals just like you. Contact UNE Partnerships today to see how we can help you www.unep.edu.au, 1800 066 128 or ask@unep.edu.au 

Deciding to upskill is a smart career move. The next challenge is determining the right educational format to reach your goals. Should you take a quick short course or invest in a full qualification?  

Here is a comprehensive comparison to help you choose the best study path. 

• Evaluating the Time Commitment. Short courses offer a rapid injection of targeted knowledge over just a few weeks. Full qualifications require a longer commitment, often spanning several months to a year or 2. However, with flexible online delivery, you can easily fit a full diploma around your existing work schedule.
• Career Outcomes and Promotions. If you need to learn one specific software tool quickly, a short course works well. If your goal is to secure a major promotion, change industries, or step into management, a full qualification provides the comprehensive skill set required to make that leap.
• Employer Recognition and Job Readiness. Employers value candidates who show initiative through short courses. However, nationally recognised full qualifications carry significantly more weight. They prove to employers that you have undergone rigorous training and are fully job ready.
• Cost versus Return on Investment. Short courses have a lower upfront cost. While full qualifications require a larger financial investment, they typically offer a much higher return on investment over the course of your career through substantial salary increases and advanced job opportunities.
• Pathways to Further Study. Short courses are an excellent way to test the waters if you are returning to study after a long break. Many students use them as a stepping stone before committing to a full qualification, while full diplomas often provide pathway credits into higher university degrees.

Christi Mergan, UNE Partnerships Education Manager, explains the student journey perfectly: “We often see students start with a short course to address a specific skill gap. They quickly realise that the comprehensive knowledge gained through a full qualification is what truly accelerates their career and gives them the confidence to lead.” 

Many modern training providers, like UNE Partnerships, offer flexible, nationally recognised online options designed for working professionals just like you. Contact UNE Partnerships today to see how we can help you www.unep.edu.au, 1800 066 128 or ask@unep.edu.au

Shaping Smarter Campuses: TEFMA and UNE Partnerships in Action – Together

The higher education facilities management sector faces unprecedented challenges: aging infrastructure, sustainability imperatives, complex regulatory environments, and the need to deliver safe, efficient, and cost-effective services across diverse campus environments. Meeting these demands requires professionals with specialised knowledge, strategic thinking, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

This is why this collaboration between Tertiary Education Facilities Management Association (TEFMA) and UNE Partnerships (UNEP) have come together to launch the inaugural scholarship program, combining industry leadership and education expertise to build capability and elevate professional standards across the sector.

Through the TEFMA UNE PARTNERSHIPS Diploma of Facilities Management Scholarship Program, emerging leaders can gain access to a qualification (10938NAT Diploma of Facilities Management), specifically designed in partnership with the Facility Management Association of Australia (FMA) for the unique demands of higher education property and facilities management, delivered by a provider with over 40 years of experience in flexible, work-integrated professional development.

What Makes this Scholarship So Special 

The TEFMA UNE PARTNERSHIPS Diploma of Facilities Management Scholarship recognises that professional development is most effective when it is sector-specific, practically relevant, and supported by both the institution and industry. UNE Partnerships brings several key strengths to this partnership:

• Sector Understanding: As an RTO established by the University of New England and operating since 1986, UNE Partnerships has deep experience in higher education contexts and understands the unique operational, regulatory, and cultural environments in which TEFMA members work.
• Flexible, Work-Integrated Delivery: The Diploma is delivered online, enabling professionals to balance study with full-time work commitments. Learning is designed to be immediately applicable, allowing participants to integrate new knowledge and skills into their current roles as they progress through the qualification.
• Holistic Student Support: UNE Partnerships’ consistently high NCVER satisfaction ratings reflect its commitment to supporting students throughout their learning journey, ensuring that scholarship recipients have the resources, guidance, and encouragement they need to succeed.
• Practical, Applied Learning: The curriculum combines foundational management competencies with facilities-specific technical units, ensuring graduates develop both strategic leadership capability and practical expertise in areas such as lifecycle services management, maintenance planning, risk management, and environmental sustainability.

Supporting Emerging Leaders to Shape the Future

The TEFMA UNE PARTNERSHIPS Scholarship is more than financial support. It represents a commitment to building the next generation of facilities management leaders in higher education. Scholarship recipients join a network of professionals dedicated to excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement in campus property and facilities management.

By completing the Diploma, emerging leaders gain:

• Strategic capability in financial planning, procurement, risk management, and project coordination.
• Technical expertise in maintenance planning, lifecycle services, and sustainability practices.
• Leadership confidence grounded in evidence-based decision-making and stakeholder engagement.
• Professional recognition that supports career progression and sector contribution.

For TEFMA members considering the scholarship, or managers identifying emerging talent within their teams, this qualification represents a clear pathway to building the skills, knowledge, and confidence required to lead effectively in an increasingly complex and demanding sector.

Build the Skills That Matter Most

Whether through the scholarship or full enrolment in the Diploma of Facilities Management, two standout units deliver immediate, real-world impact:

BSBFIN501 Manage budgets and financial plans
Build the confidence to manage large, complex budgets, forecasting, tracking performance, and making data-driven decisions that demonstrate value and support strategic investment.

BSBPRC502 Manage supplier relationships
Master the art of supplier and contract management, ensuring performance, managing risk, and building strong partnerships that keep campus operations running smoothly.

Together, these units develop the commercial mindset and relationship skills that set high-performing facilities professionals apart, turning day-to-day operations into strategic

Applications for the TEFMA UNE PARTNERSHIPS Diploma of Facilities Management Scholarship are Now Open.

• Closing date: 5pm AEST 8th June 2026
• Further information and application portal: TEFMA UNE PARTNERSHIPS Diploma of Facilities Management Scholarship Program,
• Enquiries: info@tefma.com 02 9431 8692

Ready to Start Your Study Journey Now?

Explore our programs today!

Call: 1800 066 128

Email: ask@unep.edu.au

Enquiry: Complete the form below

Smart Buildings, AI, and IoT Are Reshaping FM—Are You Ready?

As facility managers gather at the Facilities Management Association (FMA)’s Digital Transformation Summit this February, the intersection of technology and operational excellence has never been more critical.

Australia’s facility management sector is experiencing unprecedented technological evolution. The market is being reshaped by advanced building management systems, IoT integration, and AI-driven predictive maintenance solutions.

According to TechSci Research, “the increasing adoption of smart building technologies and IoT devices is transforming the way facilities are managed,“ driving demand for professionals who can bridge the gap between traditional operations and digital innovation.

The 10938NAT Diploma of Facilities Management equips professionals to meet this digital‑first era head‑on, with strategically designed units built for modern facility operations.

• One of the key units, ‘Apply digital solutions’ to work processes, prepares facility managers to confidently integrate digital technologies into everyday practice, an essential capability for implementing smart building systems, IoT sensors, and automated maintenance platforms. Whether you’re transitioning to predictive maintenance software or adopting integrated facility management systems, this unit provides the framework for effective technology adoption.
• Supporting this digital shift, ‘Manage innovation and continuous improvement’ develops the leadership capability to build a culture receptive to technological change, while ‘Manage lifecycle services’ ensures sustainable service provision throughout digital transformation initiatives.
• Combined with ‘Manage projects in the property industry’, these modules provide facility managers with the skills to plan, implement, and monitor technology-driven projects effectively.

Digital transformation isn’t on the horizon, it’s already reshaping every aspect of facilities management. Future‑focused leaders are upskilling now and studying the Diploma of Facilities Management with UNE Partnerships is one of the most effective ways to build the capability needed to lead this shift.

FMA Digital Transformation Summit: Feb 26 in Melbourne

If you’re ready to strengthen your expertise and stay ahead in a fast‑evolving industry, join innovators and decision‑makers at the FMA Digital Transformation Summit on 26 February 2026 in Melbourne. This is where technology, strategy, and professional development converge to define the next generation of facility management leadership.

Ready to start your next step to life long learning?

Explore our programs today!

Call: 1800 066 128

Email: ask@unep.edu.au

Enquiry: Complete the form below

The Succession Challenge

Local government across NSW faces a critical workforce transition. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that in 2022-23, the median retirement age was 65.2 years for men and 64.8 years for women, with 41.5% of retirees leaving the workforce before age 60*.

As experienced leaders reach retirement, councils risk losing decades of institutional knowledge, community relationships, and operational expertise, often across multiple departments simultaneously.

Traditional external recruitment is expensive, time-consuming, and increasingly difficult for regional councils. Industry research indicates that replacing a skilled professional employee typically costs anywhere from 15%-30% of their annual salary#.

To put this in a local government context, for a council employee earning an average wage it can cost $14,000 to $20,000+ when accounting for recruitment, lost productivity, and onboarding time. And you can double that cost if you want to cover the senior executive team^!

The solution isn’t found in costly recruitment cycles, but rather, it’s built from within through strategic engagement embracing learning and development programs, where Traineeships play an integral role.

How to Create Inclusive, Sustainable Workforce Ecosystems

Traineeships build sustainable talent pipelines that strengthen over time. Councils collaborating on shared cohorts create peer support networks and regional career pathways, particularly powerful for smaller councils that together form vibrant learning communities.

Traineeships provide equitable access for Indigenous staff by removing financial barriers, support employees from diverse backgrounds through structured pathways, and enable regional staff through flexible online delivery, creating inclusive leadership teams better equipped to serve diverse communities.

As trainees progress into leadership roles, they become mentors for new cohorts, advocates for development pathways, and retention champions, creating virtuous cycles where investment in one generation of leaders generates compounding returns across future cohorts.

Available Qualifications

UNE Partnerships delivers NSW Government Smart and Skilled fee-free traineeships (places are limited) in:

• BSB40520 Certificate IV in Leadership and Management: Frontline leadership and supervisory skills
• BSB50420 Diploma of Leadership and Management: Strategic thinking and people management
• BSB50820 Diploma of Project Management: Project planning, delivery, and evaluation
• PSP50122 Diploma of Government: Governance, policy development, and public sector management

All qualifications are delivered online with flexible scheduling, expert trainers, and content contextualised to council operations.

Build Your Council’s Future Workforce Today

NSW councils facing succession planning challenges and retention pressures can address these issues through strategic traineeship investment. With fee-free qualifications available through Smart and Skilled, there has never been a better time to develop your team from within.

Next Steps

Contact us to discuss tailored traineeship programs, multi-council regional cohort opportunities, succession planning strategies, and Indigenous employment initiatives.

Email: matthew.beal@unep.edu.au

Phone: 1800 066 128

Visit: UNE Partnerships NSW Fees and Funding

Enquiry: Complete the form below

Let’s build tomorrow’s skilled local government workforce, together.

References:

• *Australian Bureau of Statistics (2023). Retirement and Retirement Intentions, Australia.
• ^Council CEO Salaries – https://www.councilwatch.com.au/general-5
• #Public Service Commission – Remuneration Report – https://www.psc.nsw.gov.au/reports-and-data/workforce-profile/workforce-profile-reports/workforce-profile-report-2023/remuneration

Emotional Intelligence: Your Secret Superpower

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the ability to understand, manage, and express emotions, both your own and those of others. It’s a skill that underpins effective communication, leadership, and resilience. In today’s workplace, EI is often more valuable than technical skills alone.

Imagine a manager who can stay calm during a crisis, empathise with a stressed team member, and navigate conflict with grace. That’s EI in action. Or consider a colleague who reads the room, adapts their tone, and builds trust effortless, they’re likely high in emotional intelligence.

Tips to Improve Your EI:

• Practice mindfulness: Take time to reflect on your emotions and reactions.
• Ask for feedback: Gain insight into how others perceive your communication style.
• Listen actively: Focus on understanding, not just responding.
• Pause before reacting: Give yourself space to choose a thoughtful response.
• Read emotional cues: Pay attention to body language and tone.
• Build empathy: Try to see situations from others’ perspectives.

Whether you’re preparing for a leadership role or simply want to improve your interpersonal skills, understanding your emotional intelligence is a powerful step toward personal and professional growth.

Interested to know your EI score?

Take this free EI quiz from Elevate Leadership:

Free Emotional Intelligence Quiz

Ready to start your next step to life long learning?

Explore our programs today!

Call: 1800 066 128

Email: ask@unep.edu.au

Enquiry: Complete the form below