We are running three Emerging Leaders Programs throughout 2026, with a mix of digital and in-person sessions!

Are you an emerging leader keen to unlock your leadership potential? IPAA ACT’s Emerging Leader Program for APS 4-5 (and equivalent) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders  working in the Commonwealth and ACT public sector will build your leadership capacity in a culturally focused way and connect you to a network of like-minded emerging leaders from across the public sector.

IPAA ACT supports public sector practitioners to forge a rewarding and impactful career, not just training for a single job. We are focused on the long-term career of public sector leaders across your many roles, departments and projects. Our Emerging Leaders Program will focus on your career journey, working across the boundaries of departments, programs and specific initiatives.

This program has been designed to emphasise Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership voices and lived experiences – every facilitator and speaker is a deadly First Nations leader and advocate. Joining us throughout the programs in 2026 are Paul Callaghan, award winning author and leader, along with the dynamic Dr Karen Demmery, plus a range of senior First Nations leaders in the public sector. Participants will receive a free copy of one of Paul Callaghan’s books, either The Dreaming Path which brings together Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal world views and which won a book of the year award in 2023, or Paul’s new book on leadership due to be published this year.

We aim to provide a brave space for participants to build resilience and an authentic leadership brand.  The program builds from the lived experience of leaders and presenters working in community, policy and implementation fields across and outside the public sector system. Participants will learn from those who have walked that path before them, and work with their peer group to build from those foundations, effectively navigate the cultural load, achieve outcomes and build a network to walk alongside them as their public sector career makes a difference. 

The program includes the DISC profile for each participant, deepening their awareness of themselves and others using that framework, while they also learn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives on leadership.

In 2026 the program involves 23 contact hours and is offered in 3 formats – fully digital; a hybrid mix of digital and in person; and fully in person. All programs include digital reflection sessions post-program which aim to embed the learning even further.

Recent participant feedback highlighted that they valued the safe and inclusive environment of the program, they found the sessions instrumental in strengthening their understanding of authentic leadership and appreciated the opportunity to connect and share insights with their peers. Many alumni of this program have used the skills and insights gained to progress in their public sector careers, gaining acting and permanent promotions.

Download our 2026 program snapshot and cohort calendar – here

“Please run this course for forever. I’ve lived in Canberra and been in the APS for almost two years and this is the first time I’ve felt safe being open and honest about my work life.”

“As an emerging leader I found the sessions very helpful, especially when finding out what true leadership is and what we are capable of doing as an individual.”

“I found this very beneficial and really enjoyed that it was a safe space for us all to talk about our shared experiences.”

Who can apply?

The Emerging Leaders program is open to IPAA ACT organisational members only. Check if your organisation is a member here.

Applicants should be at APS4 to APS5 or equivalent levels in the ACTPS or the private sector or academia and identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

Cohort 1 – Hybrid

Session 1  digital  28 May, 9:30 am – 1:00 pm

Session 2  digital  29 May, 9:30 am – 1:00 pm

Session 3  in-person  02 Jun, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm

Session 4  in-person  02 Jun, 1:30 am – 5:00 pm

Session 5  in-person  03 Jun, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm

Session 6  in-person  03 Jun, 1:30 am – 5:00 pm

Reflection 1  digital  30 Jun, 9:30 am – 10:30 am

Reflection 2  digital  28 Jul, 9:30 am – 10:30 am

Cohort 2 – Intensive

Session 1  in-person  10 Nov, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm

Session 2  in-person  10 Nov, 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Session 3  in-person  11 Nov, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm

Session 4  in-person  11 Nov, 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Session 5  in-person  12 Nov, 9:00 am – 12:30 pm

Session 6  in-person  12 Nov, 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Reflection 1  digital  26 Nov, 9:30 am – 10:30 am

Reflection 2  digital  09 Dec, 9:30 am – 10:30 am