Inaugural First Nations leadership graduates cross the stage

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Inaugural First Nations leadership graduates cross the stage

Dressed proudly in black, red and yellow robes, the first cohort of students from the Diploma of Leadership and Management (First Nations context) recently crossed the stage to receive their certificates and join the vibrant global community of more than 500,000 RMIT alumni.

After years of assiduous organisation and collaboration, the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) and RMIT University brought the Diploma of Leadership and Management (First Nations Context) to life in 2025.    

Emerging from a self-determined need among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for greater investment in mentoring and self-governance, the diploma delivers structured training to help reinforce and expand leadership capabilities for people working in First Nations led organisations.    

Through peer knowledge sharing and practical coursework – developed in consultation with Indigenous vocational education academic staff at RMIT – the Diploma of Leadership and Management (First Nations context) helps participants develop their leadership and management acumen, offering diverse benefits that filter into the broader community.   

For student and VAHS Health Check Officer, Ngurungaeta Brown, that has manifested in developing their knowledge of the procedures that create policy change. Gaining that insight has helped them understand why implementing change takes time, encouraging them to reconsider how they engage with certain processes.   

“Getting that understanding helps me actually do things in a more correct or meaningful way, which means change – ironically enough – happens quicker, which is great for the community and for VAHS.”  

Jesse Mow (right) receiving his certificate from Robbie Van Dijk (left)

Jesse Mow (right) receiving his certificate from Robbie Van Dijk (left)

Graduate Jesse Mow, a proud Wamba Wemba man and VAHS Drug and Alcohol Worker, said that the practical knowledge he and his peers have picked up in the classroom will help them work toward broader organisational goals.   

I really believe that Aboriginal people filling team leader and manager roles is what the founders of this organisation (VAHS) had in mind. I believe the stuff I’ve learnt at RMIT will help us get there and be self-governing.

The intimate graduation event began with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony guided by Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elder, Uncle Perry Wandin, prompting graduates to reflect on the first day of their course, when he also performed this ceremony.   

Graduates watching a smoking ceremony outside RMIT University.

Smoking Ceremony guided by Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elder, Uncle Perry Wandin

Robbie Van Dijk, Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor of RMIT's College of Vocational Education, shared the story of how the program evolved from concept to classroom.   

From the beginning, the goal of this program has always been bigger than one individual. It’s been about strengthening organisations, supporting communities and developing current and emerging leaders who will create and lead positive change.

He thanked everyone involved in the development and delivery of the program, including VAHS staff, tutors from the Ngarara Willim Centre, Tony McCartney and Darrel Lee from Indigenous Engagement, Nic Radoll from Indigenous Learning and Teaching, Jeremy Glover from Global Enterprise and Leadership, and the program’s incredible teaching team: Kylie Dowles, David Ginsberg and Damian Manassa.  

Tony McCartney, Manager of Indigenous Engagement at RMIT, inspired the students with his reflections on the importance of investing in sustainable leadership.   

“There aren’t any quick fixes, growth takes time. Trust takes time. Leadership takes time.”   he said.

“It isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up, supporting others, keeping your word, and continuing to learn and grow.”  

Now, leaving the classroom behind, the graduates are eager to take the next steps towards creating change in their workplaces and communities, doing so with new capabilities and the confidence to lead.    

Graduates in Aboriginal flag sashes throwing their caps in the air.

Find out more about the Diploma of Leadership and Management (First Nations Context).

09 November 2026

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

Learn more about our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples