Youth Leadership
& On-Country Immersion
Forging Tomorrow’s Leaders—Grounded in Country, Culture & Creativity
The Albert Wiggan Institute is committed to shaping a new generation of young leaders—Indigenous and non-Indigenous—who are not only deeply connected to themselves and their communities but who also embody the core principles of modern Australian leadership: resilience, adaptability, and a strong moral compass.
This week-long immersion experience will take young people on-country—specifically to the breathtaking Dampier Peninsula and Cygnet Bay, where the red earth meets the turquoise waters of the Kimberley. Here, leadership is not learned in a classroom but lived—through deep cultural exchange, hands-on skill-building, and transformational mentorship.
A Leadership Model Rooted in Strength, Balance & Vision
Our approach integrates:
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Traditional Indigenous leadership—grounded in the wisdom of Elders, deep listening, and respect for Country.
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Contemporary Australian leadership—drawing from the values of teamwork, personal accountability, and strategic decision-making.
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Creative & expressive leadership—through music, art, and storytelling, participants will find their voice, share their journey, and understand how creativity fuels connection, change, and resilience
Key Program Elements
🔵 Grounding & Self-Mastery – Learning to be centered, strong, and focused, drawing from Indigenous practices like deep listening (‘Dadirri’), Rock & Water training, and natural movement.
🔵 Survival & Bush Skills – Developing a deeper connection to land through hunting, fishing, fire-making, and understanding the rhythms of Country.
🔵 Cultural Storytelling & Creative Expression – Learning through art, music, and storytelling, guided by Indigenous knowledge holders and musicians who inspire with their own journeys.
🔵 Music & Leadership – Whether through songwriting, yidaki (didgeridoo), dance, or spoken word, youth will explore their own personal story and the power of music as a universal language for change.
🔵 Teamwork & Challenge-Based Learning – Facing real-world challenges as a group, participants will build resilience, problem-solving skills, and confidence—essential for navigating both the workplace and life.
🔵 On-Country Reflection & Ceremony – Closing with reflection, commitments, and ceremony, ensuring that the lessons learned don’t just stay on-country but are carried forward as a lifelong foundation.
For Young Australians Who Want to Step Up
This program is open to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth who want to:
✅ Gain practical leadership skills they can take into school, work, or community projects.
✅ Learn from respected Indigenous leaders, musicians, artists, and professionals.
✅ Be challenged, inspired, and transformed by an experience unlike any other.
✅ Connect with peers from diverse backgrounds, building lifelong friendships and shared purpose.
This program is more than just an adventure—it’s about becoming the kind of leader Australia needs: grounded, capable, and connected to something bigger than themselves.
One Week. A Lifetime of Impact.