Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander leaders of the future meet at Future Leaders forum in Canberra

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls from across New South Wales recently met at the Australian Institute of Sport for the 2017 Girls Academy Future Leaders Forum.

The Forum, a two-day leadership convention in partnership with Nestlé Australia, was held on Thursday 12 October and Friday 13 October at the AIS in Canberra.

Year 10 and Year 11 students from NSW Girls Academies who demonstrate leadership potential by being outstanding members of their Academy, community and school attended.

The Girls Academy is Australia’s leading provider of in-school programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls. CEO Ricky Grace said the Forum was a “life-changing experience” for the girls.

“The Girls Academy works with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to help them realise their potential, achieve at school, and plan for the future.

“These girls came to the Australian Institute of Sport, a place where champions are made, and left better prepared than ever to become community leaders of the future,” he said.

The Future Leaders Forum had a strong focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership. 2017 New South Wales Aboriginal Woman of the Year Kristal Kinsela ran a leadership workshop for the girls.

The program also featured inspirational speakers including Mary Senj, a leading Aboriginal educator and Beki Smith, an Olympic race walker; a health, nutrition and wellness workshop from a leading nutritionist; a Personal Skills workshop by Marina Passalaris from Beautiful Minds that covered many skills teenagers need; a sporting activity with young star volleyballers from the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra; and a tour of Parliament House.

Some of the comments from the participating students included:

“All valuable.”

“What a great opportunity! So grateful for this experience.”

“Thank you for an amazing three days!”

“The talk and advice was inspiring and insightful.”

Nestlé Australia head of Market Wellness, Katrina Koutoulas, said: “We’re proud to support this initiative and to make a real difference in these girls’ lives. The AYDP Future Leaders Forum provides benefits that flow on to the families, schools and communities of each of the girls.”

“This is in keeping with the Nestlé purpose, which is about creating a positive impact in the communities in which we operate,” said Ms Koutoulas.