Talent development
First Nations Executive Leadership Development
The Australian Public Service (APS) is committed to empowering First Nations leaders to achieve personal and professional success by supporting the development of their individual leadership capability.
Under the ‘Boosting First Nations Employment in the APS’ initiative, the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC), is working in partnership with National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) to deliver First Nations led and designed programs for First Nations executives and senior executives.
These programs represent a significant step change towards strengthening First Nations leadership and representation across the APS. The programs are designed to support the development of confident and self-aware First Nations leaders, who are integral in contributing First Nations voices and perspectives to decision making across the APS.
In consultation with the Dubbo Wilay Elders group, the programs have been named in Wiradjuri language to reflect the various stages of the participants’ journey into senior leadership.
Bulabul, meaning ‘together,’ highlights the significance of building networks and working together to continue leadership and career growth for First Nations EL2s. Yawarra, meaning ‘to take care of’ captures the APS value of stewardship, a value that is inherent in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. The concept of Yawarra aims to prepare First Nations SES for their role and support them in contributing their unique leadership and experiences to the APS, thereby improving outcomes for all Australians.
Bulabul - First Nations Executive Level 2 Talent Development Program
Bulabul aims to prepare First Nations Executive Level 2 (EL2) leaders to transition into the Senior Executive Service. The program supports participants to connect with their peers and strengthen their professional networks, offering opportunities to connect with senior leaders and experts from across industry, community, and the APS.
With a focus on ‘walking strong in two worlds’ Bulabul brings participants together through a series of tailored and culturally safe connection activities and workshops. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the unique strengths they bring to the APS as First Nations peoples.
Workshop topics include:
- Impactful leadership through policy
- Design in partnership with First Nations communities
- First Nations leadership and governance
- Healing and trauma informed
- And economic empowerment
Bulabul participants are invited to join and engage in:
- A 2-day in-person leadership gathering
- An in-depth talent assessment
- Ongoing coaching and mentoring support
- Tailored connection activities and practitioner led learning
- Development and career planning
Nominations for the next intake of Bulabul will open end of August 2024.
For further information about Bulabul, please contact the Bulabul mailbox.
Yawarra – First Nations Senior Executive Service Development Planning Program
Yawarra offers First Nations Senior Executive Service (SES) access to a culturally safe coaching service to offer support in navigating and achieving success within the Senior Executive Service.
Participants will finish the program with an increased awareness of their unique leadership attributes and greater clarity of their career aspirations through a tailored strength-based development plan, supported by their manager and agency.
Participants will engage in an in-depth, robust, and culturally safe assessment process supported by an experienced coach. The program emphasises the importance of understanding the requirements of SES roles and expanding professional networks, providing participants with opportunities to connect with leaders and mentors across the APS, both in-person and virtually.
Yawarra participants are invited to join and engage in:
- A robust and in-depth talent assessment
- Ongoing coaching and mentoring support
- Tailored connection activities and practitioner led learning
- Bespoke networking opportunities
- Development and career planning
Nominations for the next intake ofYawarra will open in October 2024.
For further information about Yawarra, please contact the Yawarra mailbox.