
The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) has sponsored Ms Chelsea Aniba to participate in the 2019 Australian Rural Leadership Program (ARLP).
Chelsea has embarked with a group of aspiring leaders on the 15-month program that takes place across Australia and Indonesia, immersing participants in a series of unique experiences to develop their leadership capabilities.
Ms Aniba is from Saibai Island and known for her work as the TSRA Member for Saibai Island and Portfolio Member for Safe Communities.
TSRA Chairperson, Mr Napau Pedro Stephen AM, said the partnership with the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation’s Program was vital for developing the next wave of community leaders in the Torres Strait.
“The selection process for the ARLP is highly competitive and candidates are chosen based on their motivation, inspiration and leadership experiences,” Mr Stephen said.
“It was a privilege to take part in the selection process and to see Ms Chelsea Aniba, chosen as the leading candidate.
“Chelsea is a living testament for others in the Torres Strait region who aspire to become leaders in their chosen career path and her involvement in the course will benefit the TSRA as an organisation and the region.”
“Her appointment also fulfils my own aspiration, to witness a colleague lead in her own right, to lift as she climbs and to take everyone with her.”
Ms Aniba was excited about her selection for the ARLP and the opportunities it offered her to grow as a leader for her community.
“I am a strong but humble woman of the Dhoeybaw clan of Saibai Island, and my ambition has always been to help my people close the gap on social issues, to improve services and create opportunities for business development and home ownership.
“The impacts of climate change are another concern for our communities and I have given much support to the Seawalls projects.”
Former ARLP candidate from 2018, Mr Jack Kepa had some words of encouragement for aspiring leaders in the region.
“The ARLP program was a life changer for me, and I would definitely recommend this program to others who are seeking personal and career development,” Mr Kepa said.
“The program required me to step out of my comfort zone and to grow as a person and a leader, which now includes moving to Thursday Island to undertake a new role.”
“I couldn’t have done it without the assistance of the TSRA and I am truly grateful for the financial support and the encouragement that I have received.”
This is the eleventh ARLP in which the TSRA has sponsored a scholarship for an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person from our region.
ARLP Course 27 is now open for applications until COB 30 August 2019.
To obtain the application form or for further information please contact the TSRA Governance and Leadership Program on 07 4069 0700 or info@tsra.gov.au.