AN INVITATION TO ASPIRING BOARD DIRECTORS 

The Observership Program 2026  

– Pathway to board directorship for aspiring First Nations leaders

The Observership Program pairs talented emerging leaders with not-for-profit and government boards across Victoria, Sydney and Brisbane for a 12-month period. Observers gain practical boardroom experience while participating in a comprehensive governance training program supported by Program partners; the Australian Institute of Company Directors and The Ethics Centre.  

The Observership Program is committed to supporting the development of First Nations professionals to gain valuable board experience and governance training, creating a pathway to contribute to First Nations and non-First Nations boards. 

Whether you’re a First Nations person aspiring to join a board or already serving on one and wanting to enhance your skills, this Program will equip you with the knowledge and networks to take the next step in your governance journey. 

The Program’s participating boards are seeking candidates aged 25-45 with professional skills, to learn about and contribute to board work. 

* The Observership Program has extended the candidate age criteria for First Nations candidates. 

 APPLY VIA THIS LINK – General Stream application form

“As an Wailwan and Kamilaroi man concerned about the need for Indigenous representation in the board room of our organisations, the Observership Program gave me the foundational knowledge I need to be comfortable stepping up into these much-needed roles. It’s been as beneficial to me as it has been to our organisations. I implore our future leaders and community organisations to use this valuable program and secure the future of Indigenous organisations run by our communities, for our communities.”
Blayne Welsh, 2018 Alumni joined Ilbijerri following his Observership 

NOTE: The Observership Program acknowledges 2025 NAIDOC week is within the application period, so we have extended the application opening dates for our First Nation applicants..

Please refer to the FAQs, 2026 sample application, 2025 Program Handbook and watch the videos above. Should you require further information, please contact:

Victorian Program:
Catherine Reiser, Director, The Observership Program, Victoria, catherine.reiser@observership.com.au

Sydney and Brisbane Programs:
Rachel Exton, NSW and Brisbane Program Lead, rachel.exton@obervership.com.au

Acknowledgement of Country 

The Observership Program acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and emerging. We also accept the invitation in the Uluru Statement from the Heart to walk together with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in a movement of the Australian people for a better future.