Asialink First Nations Fellowship

Asialink acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land where we live, learn and work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

The First Nations Fellowship is a unique opportunity for an outstanding individual to join the Asialink Leaders Program, a transformational experience for leaders from business, government and not-for-profit sectors. It provides an unparalleled professional development opportunity, allowing the recipients to grow their Asia capabilities, expand their network and positively impact their sector’s engagement with Asia.

This fellowship was established by Asialink in 2020, and has since been awarded to three extraordinary Indigenous Leaders: Dr Vanessa Russ (2020), Brenton Garlick (2021), Melanie Harris (2022) and Peter Harris (2023). It aims to:

  • Strengthen and elevate the Asia-capability in First Nations leaders
  • Ensure the insights and perspectives of First Nations leaders are reflected in our understanding of national identity and engagement with Asia
  • Enhance connections between Indigenous cultures in Australia and cultures in Asia
  • Recognise the strong historical and cultural connections between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia and cultures in the Indo-Pacific

Eligibility

The fellowship will be awarded to an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicant with abilities and ambitions related to Asia engagement. Indigenous people from all sectors are eligible and warmly welcome to apply.

This First Nations fellowship covers the full Program fee of $11,900 + GST.

Also note: an additional First Nations Fellowship is offered for Indigenous applicants who are Victoria-based – see the William Buckland First Nations Fellowship.

To Apply

If you are interested in shaping the Australia-Asia narrative, and would like to join the Asialink Leaders program on this fellowship, please complete both steps below:

  • Apply for the Asialink Leaders program here, noting that you will be applying for the Fellowship*.
    *For the question ‘Are you being sponsored by your workplace organisation?’, please select the answer ‘No, I will be applying for one of the Asialink Leaders Program fellowship’.
  • Then apply for Asialink First Nations Fellowship application here.
    Note: Applications close at 5pm AEDT on Monday 12 February 2024.