After graduating from Australia’s leading Indigenous leadership education program, Canberra Raiders star Joel Thompson is now set to take on a new off-field leadership role, working with the Capital’s Indigenous youth.
In between Raiders matches, Mr Thompson has taken on a part-time role working with Australia’s only national provider of accredited Indigenous leadership and governance training, the Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre (AILC).
A new youth leadership program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in the ACT will begin later this month, with fortnightly classes running until July. The program provides Indigenous people aged between 18 and 30 with an introduction to leadership.
AILC CEO Rachelle Towart welcomed Mr Thompson on board and said she hoped Mr Thompson’s profile and example would encourage many young Indigenous people in the ACT to take part in the innovative program.
“Joel Thompson’s journey in overcoming all sorts of adversity to become an NRL star should be an inspiration to young Indigenous people across the Canberra region and we want to draw on his experience to grow the capabilities of young Indigenous people in the nation’s capital,” Ms Towart said.
“Australians want to see a major improvement in Indigenous health, wellbeing and living standards, so more Indigenous people can live up to their potential, like Joel.
“Leaders are not just people who stand up in boardrooms or parliament. Leadership skills such as strategic thinking, communication, ethics and financial management are critical capabilities required across the Indigenous community.
“The AILC provides accredited and non-accredited education programs that enable Indigenous people to fulfil their potential, not just in their career, but as family members and community participants.
“This is an opportunity for young Indigenous people across the Canberra region to join a free program which will develop their capacity to contribute as leaders in their professional, personal, community and / or family roles.
“You don’t have to be a Raiders fan to become a great leader – but it helps!”
The ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth Leadership Program will start on 22 April 2013 and Young Indigenous people in the ACT are invited to register for participation at
www.ailc.org.au The Program has been developed in partnership with the Canberra Raiders and the ACT Government and will be delivered free of charge.
The Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre (AILC), founded in 2001, is Australia’s only national provider of accredited Indigenous leadership training.
Source: Raiders Press Release
Topic: Raiders star takes a new lead
