My journey began back in December 2011 after applying to be one of the 23 students to participate in the Cert IV Indigenous Leadership course ran by the Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre.
The first residential kicked off in February and I was to meet 22 other inspiring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from right across Australia. I must admit it was no holiday—or walk in the park—but I knuckled down and completed all assignments.
When the first residential was over it was time for all the students to head back to their communities. During our time back home a project and several other major tasks were to be completed during the break between the first and second residential workshops—which were due in 6 weeks!
April came around, and I was feeling excited to catch up with everyone again. During the week I had to give an effective presentation. It was supposed to be between 8 and 10 minutes and I tried to say everything in one breath (laughs). But I was deadly.
We also had a networking gathering with 13 Canberrans ranging from government, local community members and even a Real Estate agent. Finally after 100 days the time had come to graduate with 21 other people and one other who was in our thoughts.
It was an amazing, inspiring and unforgettable journey that I will never forget. And I encourage all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people— if the opportunity pops up—to grab it!
