Field of Interest:           Indigenous
Grant Recipient:           Brotherhood of St Laurence
Project:                        Sir Doug Nicholls Fellowship for Indigenous leadership
MCF Sub-fund:             Sir Doug Nicholls Fellowship Fund

The Sir Douglas Nicholls Fellowship for Indigenous Leadership was established in 2003 as a vehicle for positive change in Victoria 's Indigenous community. Through the provision of financial support, networking opportunities and professional development to appointed Fellows and emerging leaders, the Fellowship empowers Indigenous leaders to focus their drive and energy in areas of importance identified by Victoria 's Indigenous community.

Fostering Indigenous leadership is vital to the ongoing survival and growth of Indigenous communities in Victoria . By supporting exceptional people and developing their leadership capacity, the Fellowship provides lasting benefits to the Indigenous community in Victoria .

The Fellowship recognises the legacy of Sir Douglas Nicholls and his example of outstanding leadership. The Fellowship enables today's and tomorrow's leaders to pursue their visions for the well-being and cultural identity of Victoria 's Indigenous communities. The Fellowship also promotes the benefits of mutual understanding and genuine partnerships between mainstream and Indigenous communities.

Daphne Yarram of Sale was awarded the 2006 Fellowship and this will enable her to continue her work with Indigenous communities in Gippsland, to further develop her leadership skills and to work towards a better deal for Aboriginal communities in Victoria . Daphne joins Paul Briggs of Shepparton as a Fellow for a five year term.

Last year the Fellowship also announced a new initiative, the Emerging Leaders Program.

This 12 month program will work with the next generation of leaders of Victorian Indigenous communities, providing them with mentoring, professional and personal development and the opportunity to improve their leadership skills. The first two Emerging Leaders are Belinda Jakiel of Elwood and Trevor Pearce of Mitcham.

MCF subfund, the Sir Doug Nicholls Fellowship Fund, contributes to the Fellowship. Each year proceeds from the Long Walks are placed in the Fund and allocated as Fellowship payments.

For further information about the Sir Douglas Nicholls Fellowship for Indigenous Leadership go to www.nichollsfellowship.net.au or about The Long Walk go to www.thelongwalk.com.au