EQUIP: Politics in Colour Edition | Torres Strait – 30 November – 1 December 2023

First Nations women have overcome immense barriers and challenges to support their families and communities to survive and thrive against all the odds.

As a result, their resilience and community leadership skills are highly transferable to public office, where their work can positively impact their communities and beyond.

We need more First Nations women like you at the table where decisions are being made!

Occurring through co-operation of Women for Election, Politics in Colour, the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation and the Torres Strait Regional Authority, this 2-day event will be a highly practical, non-partisan workshop that provides First Nations women with the key knowledge on how to campaign at all levels of government.

Tickets are limited and restricted to women who are residents of the Torres Strait. Those who are interested to attend are asked to complete an ‘Expression of Interest’ questionnaire.

For successful applicants, the 2-day event is in-person, free and includes refreshments, meals and accommodation. Air travel and additional accommodation (where required) will be provided to, and from, the outer islands, and ferry fares will be covered for inner island participants.

Expression of Interest registrations must be made by 5pm 13 November, 2023.

Successful applicants will be notified by Wednesday 15 November, 2023.

DAY 1
Facilitated by Kat Henaway, descendant of the Mer & Mua peoples of the Torres Strait and CEO of Politics in Colour, day one will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to run for public office. You’ll learn about the tools and techniques to run a campaign, learn how to navigate the barriers and challenges you’ll face as a political candidate, or assist another woman with her political campaign.

If you are a woman running for office, managing a campaign or wanting to understand more about Australia’s political process, then this program is for you.

DAY 2
Hosted by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, Day two will sharpen your leadership for social and positive change in the Torres Strait. Hosted by Michelle Deshong, learn how to use influence to enable others, take action and lead change. The workshop will build your confidence to seek different perspectives within community and strategies to make progress on issues and opportunities for the region. Leading is a privilege and a responsibility – let’s make the most of it!

This EQUIP: POLITICS IN COLOUR & AUSTRALIAN RURAL LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION session is co-presented by Women for Election and the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, with support from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet‘s Office for Women.

In registering for this event you are accepting and promising to abide by the Women for Election Code of Conduct for events, including observing WFE’s remit to provide training for women and non-binary people only, and WFE’s values of collaboration and inclusion. Read the full Code of Conduct HERE. WFE has an inclusive definition of ‘women’. We aim to engage with, and give voice to, the diverse experience of those who may identify as women – including trans, cis and non-binary.

For more information ABOUT US, see:
Women for Election
Politics in Colour
Torres Strait Regional Authority

About the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation

For more than 15 years, the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) has worked in partnership with the Torres Strait Regional Authority to bolster leadership capacity in the region. Through scholarships and bespoke Indigenous-led leadership programs, the ARLF has seen more than 150 Torres Strait Islanders join its programs.

ARLF takes immense pride in its program graduates and is thrilled to collaborate with Women for Election to introduce this initiative into the region. With a strong base of 100 female alumni, ARLF is optimistic that this group, along with other women, will also step up and assume key leadership roles, contributing to a prosperous Torres Strait.

For more insights into the ARLF’s approach and programs, visit rural-leaders.org.au.