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Jobs Australia Foundation

2011

Following the success of the 2010 IYLP and the results of the evaluation of Stage 1 of the program, the Jobs Australia Foundation Board of Directors agreed to commit to a second year of leadership training with 2010 participants with a specific emphasis on increasing Indigenous leadership content.

Program Elements

  • Pre-Trek Training including launch of 2010 IYLP Documentary 28th April to 1st May, 2011 – Melbourne
  • Indigenous Cultural Trek, 13th to 21st August, 2011 – Kimberleys at Jarlmandangah Community, situated east of Broome in WA

Stage 2 will provide opportunities for group members to develop and increase greater understanding of Indigenous history and Indigenous leadership principles and practice. It will ensure they continue to learn and practice leadership skills within an Indigenous context, specifically understanding the roots of their leadership journey as individuals and the why and how they wish to lead.

Program participants will also work on developing and delivering a community project during the Indigenous Cultural Trek at Jarlmadangah community as a means of practicing their leadership skills. The project task will be the development, preparation and delivery of a series of basketball clinics with young people from the community.

As individuals and as a group, everyone will continue to focus on maintaining their health and wellbeing as part of their preparation for the indigenous cultural trek in the Kimberleys in August 2011.From April to June participants will commit to fitness training in preparation for the trek and undertake activities necessary to deliver their community project with support from their mentors.

Curtin University Engaged to Build Indigenous Leadership Content

The importance of increasing the Indigenous program content was identified as a significant opportunity for enhancing future program experiences. As a result Associate Professor Simon Forrest and Barry Winmar from Curtin University (CU) Aboriginal Studies Unit have been engaged to assist with reviewing and strengthening the curriculum and program model.

Simon and Barry will also actively participate in the development of the 2011 program and content. Their facilitation of the pre-trek training scheduled for 28th April to 1 May in Melbourne and involvement in the Indigenous Cultural Trek , from 13th to 21st August, 2011 will be a key to its success. They will also support the development of the 2012/13 recruitment process and the review and development of the future programs.

Associate_Professor_Simon_Curtin_-_Curtin_University_-_Image Simon Forrest was born and raised in Wajuk country (Perth). His mother is Nyungar and father Yamaji Wongi. He has connections to country at Goomalling (Balardong), Swan Valley (Wajuk), Mt Magnet (Badimaya) and Leonora (Wongutha). He trained as a primary school teacher and worked in schools in in Aboriginal communities and rural towns. He has also worked in the public sector in senior managerial positions in education and Indigenous affairs policy and implementation.

Simon is WA’s longest serving Aboriginal academic having been teaching undergraduate students since 1983. His services are widely sought particularly as apresenter in the areas of Aboriginal Education, History and Politics, Cultural Awareness and Competency and Cultural Consultancy. He holds a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Education from the University of Western Australia and in 2005 was awarded National Scholar of the Year at the National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee Awards.

Key Program Objectives

  • Increasing the knowledge of Indigenous culture and history with an ability to link knowledge and apply skills during the cultural trek and community project delivery.
  • Application of skills learnt by the young people to develop and deliver a community project/s in 2011
  • Application of training skills by mentors
  • Participants will continue to be challenged with opportunities to develop and practice leadership skills discovered during the 2010 program:
    • Communication skills
    • Team work
    • Conflict resolution and problem solving
    • Initiating and leading change
    • Delivering positive outcomes; and
    • Self improvement through personal reflection.

The IYLP curriculum will continue to utilise a range of learning methodologies that engage participants of varying ages, experiences, learning styles and capabilities. The application of these processes will continue to promote experiential learning philosophies and encourage ‘learning by doing’ activities by integrating learning and skills through practical application and reflective practice.

Program Evaluation

The evaluation and formal documentation of the IYLP will be conducted each year on a continuing basis. It will ensure that the program content and model continuously improve and that the participant’s learning and development is extended. It will also help to build a body of evidence on the what and how of Indigenous leadership in Australia.

Program Costs

The budget estimates for the 2011 IYLP is $380,000. Current support for the program accounts for 50% of the project outputs. The investment of funds from financial partners, sponsors and benefactors is being sought to secure the 2011 IYLP. All expressions of interest can be made to Jodie Belyea, Jobs Australia Foundation, Project Manager on 03 9349 3699 or jbelyea@ja.com.au.

IYLP