Elevating Connections Healing Ourselves
First Nations women routinely hold valued roles and responsibilities in families, communities and nations. It’s important that they are also represented in formal leadership roles and positions of influence across our state.
To receive the online form in another format, email Office for Women: womensleadership.fv@dffh.vic.gov.au.
Key dates
Applications open: Monday 14 July 2025
Applications close: midnight, Sunday 17 August 2025
Notification of outcomes: early September 2025
Program (online): mid-late September (one 2-hour session) and October (one 2-hour session)
Program (residential): Monday 10 November – Friday 14 November 2025
Reflection workshop: December 2025 (one three-hour session).
What does the program involve?
Sixteen First Nations women will participate in a leadership development program led by Karen Milward Consulting and team. The team includes Karabena Consulting and a range of expert First Nations facilitators and community members.
Program participants also engage in:
- cultural activities to promote cultural connection and strengthen identity
- coaching and mentoring support from Elders and program facilitators
- working together as a team – participants will be paired/buddied up as part of the program
- activities to build on the unique strengths, capabilities and experiences of participants.
Elders in residence will share their wisdom, stories and guidance with participants.
The program was designed by a diverse group of Victorian First Nations women and piloted in 2021. The design and pilot phases were led by Karen Milward Consulting and overseen by a First Nations Women’s Advisory Group.
Contact us
For questions related to the program please contact Program Manager, Karen Milward on 0407 867 863.
For questions related to the online application form please email womensleadership.fv@dffh.vic.gov.au and request a call back.
Read past participants' experiences
2024 graduates
Allyson Walker
Allyson Walker is a Yorta Yorta, Wemba Wemba, Gunditjmara and Taungurung woman with connections to other countries. She trained as a nurse, before moving into community development work.
Indy Peters
Indy is Youth Co-ordinator at Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place (MMIGP). She organises culturally safe environments for Indigenous students to connect culturally and socially with each other.
Leticia Searle
Leticia is Educational Program Lead at Foodbank Victoria. She is committed to creating sustainable, collaborative programs that build capacity and provide opportunities for individuals to thrive.
2023 graduates
Ange Jeffery
The ECHO Program inspired Ange to make the right decisions so she could keep working for an employer she loved while also pursuing her art practice.
Ellen Tunumafono
Thanks to ECHO, Ellen has taken on a new leadership role, applied her many new skills and connected with a strong network of ECHO alumni.
Mel Peters
The ECHO Program taught Mel to know her worth and empowered her to seek out a workplace where she could be better supported to grow into a senior leadership role.
Vicky Peters
Since completing the ECHO Program, Vicky has found a clearer vision of herself as a leader and a strategic path to pursue her leadership aspirations.
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