Indigenous Allied Health Australia | IAHA Leadership Program

The IAHA Leadership Program is now accepting applications for the 2027 Program

The 2027 Program will take place over nine months, with three face to face intensives, a series of online webinars, mentoring, self-care sessions, and the completion of a community activity.  The first intensive will be held in Cairns from 8 – 12  March 2027. It is compulsory to attend all components of the program.  

Submit your application for the 2027 Leadership Program by midnight Wednesday 9 December 2026. 

The IAHA Leadership Program

The IAHA Leadership Program is now accredited for the BSB50420 Diploma of Leadership and Management with the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW (RTO 91020)

Our program has been designed to promote a greater understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, cultural governance, political advocacy, how to influence others, community development and power in relationships. Guided by Indigenous ways of working, including knowing, being and doing, the program develops the attributes and skills to become an effective, culturally responsive Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander leader. The program creates opportunities and a willingness for participants to confidently step forward to address the multi-faceted challenges and opportunities that leadership roles can present. 

The program engages IAHA members in conversations and culturally centred concepts with experiential and practical leadership activities with the following five intended learning and development outcomes: 

  • Strengthening understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership from a dual cultural and professional perspective 
  • Developing personal and professional leadership philosophy, leadership goals, aspirations and how to achieve and implement them 
  • Applying key concepts and learnings to diverse and complex interpersonal and professional relationships 
  • Developing supportive and?effective peer networks and supports  
  • Strengthening skills and experiences of leadership in practice, management and communications. 

Participants complete elements of the program over a period of 9-month period which is designed to reinforce their knowledge and put leadership into practice. The program is completed through the following schedule with assessments and reflective work required: 

  • Online IAHA training in cultural safety and responsiveness 
  • Two x three-day face-to-face intensives  (8 – 12 March 2027 & 16 –20 August 2027) 
  • Minimum of six online professional development webinars held after hours 
  • Multiple check in sessions 
  • Self-care and mentoring sessions  
  • Completion of a Leadership activity of the individual’s choice 
  • One day face to face program completion aligning with the IAHA National Conference  (28 November 2027) 
  • Completion of all assessments required.

Read participants feedback on The Leadership Program

“I have learned that being an effective leader requires me to be clear about what leadership style I have and want and to work on improving my skills to allow me to lead with respect of others”

“This course has confirmed my approach to be an inclusive leader and to support community development approaches and self determination”

“I’ve increased my understaning of culturally responsive leadership in continuing strength based approaches to leading a vision for change in nutrition and confirming my position to lead by example”

“I’ve enjoyed the community development practical examples and the resources that have been shared to further develop my leadership from a cultural perspective. Meeting other young leaders has also been a highlight to see what they might do going forward”

“I feel I have grown as a person, both personally and professionally. The program has helped me to understand my leadership skills and where my skills are lacking. The program has helped me grow my confidence in asking questions, and public speaking”

“I have enjoyed meeting so many inspirational people within the program working in healthcare and being led by amazing people who are so passionate about the work that they do”