The program was designed to assist in the development of strong, emotionally intelligent leadership and management within Aboriginal Health Services, which is crucial to improving health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The program aims to equip students with the skills to apply a strategic approach to Indigenous health, business, project planning and management, stakeholder engagement, workplace relationships, and continuous improvement.

The training retreat used a model that allowed for peer learning, where students brought their own ‘real work’ examples and challenges to the group to ensure genuine workplace relevance for extensive analysis and discussion. Program participants included staff from a variety of organisations in the Mackay, Townsville, Cairns, and Cape and Torres regions.

The outcomes of this training will contribute to the development and sustainability of leadership roles in Indigenous health organisations, helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in North Queensland live happier, healthier, and longer lives.