A staffer from the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics (DIPL) Katherine office has been appointed to the prestigious Lingairi Program of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leaders Program (NATSILP).

Natasha Hamilton, Project Manager – DIPL Katherine, will take part in the 12-day program in May and September this year, gaining valuable leadership lessons from Indigenous mentors across Australia.

“I am grateful for this opportunity to network and develop my skills further and hope that this scholarship with assist me in developing the confidence and tools I need to be a leader within my community,” said Ms Hamilton.

“As a young Indigenous woman who has lived in Katherine for the last 10 years I aim to use my skills to encourage change and mentor young Indigenous Australian to improve their education, lifestyle and careers, making a better future for themselves and their families.”

The NATSILP scholarship develops and prepares Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to engage in powerful and different conversations, particularly in a regional setting.

The first session of the program will take place in the Northern Territory from 21 – 26 May 2017, with the second session in Canberra from 10 – 16 September 2017.