Building the Next Generation of Aboriginal Leaders in the Northern Territory
The Northern Territory Government’s Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment (OCPE) and UNE Partnerships joined forces to deliver the Kigaruk and Lookrukin Aboriginal Leadership Development Program, a long-standing, nationally recognised initiative at the heart of the NT Government’s commitment to growing a strong, highly skilled and capable Aboriginal workforce.
Named with deep cultural significance, Kigaruk for men and Lookrukin for women, the program is an investment in people, culture and community. Grounded in culturally safe learning, it honours lived experience, Aboriginal knowledge systems and the enduring connection between identity and leadership.
As the Territory’s largest employer, serving a population where Aboriginal people make up almost 27%, the NT Government recognises its unique responsibility to drive this change from within.*
Designed for emerging and established Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander middle managers, the ALDP provides a structured pathway aligned with the NTPS Middle Manager Development Framework, building the skills, confidence and nationally recognised qualifications needed to step into senior leadership roles, supporting OCPE’s mission to build an agile, capable, engaged and diverse workforce that delivers high quality service to all Territorians.
Since its inception in 2003, the program has celebrated more than 175 graduates, each carrying forward enhanced professional capability, a deepened sense of identity, cultural strength and responsibility, and contributing to more culturally informed decision-making across the public sector.
On Friday 1 May in Darwin, graduates, families, colleagues and senior leaders gathered to celebrate the achievements of the 2026 cohort, a moment of immense pride for those graduating and for the communities, agencies and Country they represent.
The ceremony honoured students who balanced study alongside work, family and community responsibilities, often navigating significant personal challenges. Their perseverance is a testament to the strength of character that defines Aboriginal leadership.
UNE Partnerships CEO Ben Gilmore acknowledged the graduates: “It is a huge pleasure to celebrate with you today. You have shown determination, resilience and commitment to your future. The fact that you are standing here graduating is a testament to your hard work and perseverance.”
UNE Partnerships Educator Jenny Sewell reflected on the transformative nature of the experience: “Today is not the end of a journey, but the beginning of a lifetime leadership journey. Lead with courage, kindness, empathy and intelligence.”
The 2026 cohort continues the program’s strong track record, currently achieving a 70% completion rate, with remaining students on track to complete later this year.
The true measure of success goes beyond the completion statistics. It is reflected in the confidence, capability and cultural authority graduates bring back into their workplaces and the influence they bring to their teams, shaping agency culture and delivering the kind of whole-of-sector impact that OCPE’s Strategic Plan 2025–2030 seeks to build.
Students emerge not just with new knowledge, but as part of a connected and capable cohort, equipped to lead, collaborate and drive meaningful change:
“The Diploma of Leadership and Management has been instrumental in my professional growth, helping me identify key concepts from the program and apply them directly in the workplace. “ 2026 Graduate – Daniel Baker.
“Returning to study after many years reminded me how much I enjoy learning, and I’m now ready to take on new opportunities. It was genuinely worth it. Thank you UNE Partnerships,” 2026 Graduate – Briony Everett.
These reflections speak to what makes the ALDP unique, not just in skills gained, but the renewed sense of identity, direction and possibility students carry forward as leaders in their agencies and communities.
Delivered over 24 months through a blended model of face-to-face workshops, webinars and online learning, the program leads to a nationally recognised Diploma of Leadership and Management. Modules span self-management, emotional intelligence, communicating with influence, business risk, managing team effectiveness, and planning and policy and is all contextualised within the realities of public sector leadership in the Territory.
Built on a foundation of cultural safety, the program creates space for students to bring their identity, community connections and cultural knowledge into their leadership development. As Jenny Sewell observed, it supports individuals to “continuously reflect on and intentionally develop, grow and shape their personal leadership brand”, embedded in both professional excellence and cultural grounding.
As the program grows, so does its impact by strengthening leadership capability, deepening community connections and contributing to a more inclusive, representative and effective Northern Territory Public Sector. Through their work in agencies and on Country, graduates carry forward the true legacy of the program: leading with confidence, cultural strength and an unwavering commitment to creating meaningful change for Territorians.
Are you ready to further your professional development and advance your career but still have a few questions?
Submit an enquiry with us today and one of our friendly Course Advisors will provide you with further information.
First name
Last name
Email
Phone
Who is this Course For? MyselfMy Employee
Time frame to begin study —Please choose an option—NowJune 2026September 2026November 2026Not sure
I agree to receive updates and marketing from UNE Partnerships. I can unsubscribe anytime.View our Privacy Policy.
Δ