Victorian Office for Women Joan Kirner Emerging Leaders Program - May 2026 intake

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This is a preview of the 2026 May Joan Kirner Emerging Leaders Program Application Form form. When you’re ready to apply, click Fill Out Now to begin.
 

Introduction

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Program Information

This is the application form for the Joan Kirner Emerging Leaders Program, an initiative delivered by the Institute of Community Directors and proudly supported by the Victorian Government.

The six-week program aims to develop a cohort of women and gender diverse leaders by addressing leadership challenges and equipping them with practical skills and strategies to advance on their leadership journey. 

During the program, you will complete the following:

  • Interactive learning development workshops featuring inspiring guest speakers who are redefining perceptions of women and gender diverse people in leadership.

  • Webinar series on gender equity and the future of work, open to both participants and their networks.

  • Small group mentoring circles led by experienced leaders from across the for-purpose sector.

  • Leadership strengths assessment followed by a one-on-one coaching session.

  • In-person graduation event where participants receive a certificate.

Up to 45 places will be offered in the May 2026 intake. The scholarship funds all components of the program. Access support is available for those requiring assistance with expenses such as travel, accommodation, and care giving.

Application Details

Applications open at 9am AEDT on Monday 2 March and close at midnight (end of day) AEDT on Monday 30 March. No extensions will be granted. 

The form will take you approximately 30-40 minutes to complete.  

If you experience any issues accessing or competing the application form, please contact info@ourcommunity.com.au.  

About this form 

If you need technical help using this form, download the Help Guide for Applicants or check our Applicant Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's). 

Applicant Eligibility

Applications will be assessed by an independent panel in line with the eligibility criteria below:

  • Identify as a woman or gender diverse person
  • Victorian resident
  • Aged between 22 - 40 years old at the time of application
  • Working in the for-purpose sector (this includes government, not-for-profits, community groups, social enterprises, and purpose-driven businesses)
  • Available to attend all interactive learning development workshops
  • Have not participated in a previous iteration of the Joan Kirner Emerging Leaders Program.

Please note: Priority will be given to applicants who work in organisations that might not have the resources to support formal leadership development opportunities for their staff. 

Please take a moment to review the key program dates and times, below, to ensure you can commit to all aspects of the program. 

Program Dates and Times

  • Leadership strengths assessment and coaching debrief session (45 minutes, online and to be booked any time during the program) 
  • Interactive learning development workshops
    • Workshop 1 – Monday 11 May (9am - 4.15pm, in person) 
    • Workshop 2 – Monday 18 May (9am - 4.15pm, in person) 
    • Workshop 3 – Tuesday 19 May (9am - 4.15pm, in person) 
    • Workshop 4 – Monday 25 May (10am - 4pm, online)  
    • Workshop 5 – Monday 1 June (10am - 4pm, online)  
  • Webinar series: Gender equality and the future of work
    • Webinar 1 – Wednesday 10 June (1 - 2pm, online) 
    • Webinar 2 – Thursday 11 June (1 - 2pm, online) 
    • Webinar 3 – Wednesday 17 June (1 - 2pm, online) 
    • Webinar 4 – Thursday 18 June (1 - 2pm, online) 
  • Mentoring circle – Monday 15 June (6 - 7.30pm, online) 
  • Graduation – Monday 22 June (3 - 5pm, in person)  

Please note:

  • All in-person events will take place at Our Community House in North Melbourne and are not recorded.
  • All online events will hosted on Zoom, and live attendance is expected:
    • Full day online workshops and the mentoring session are not recorded, as these sessions are highly interactive,
    • while 1-hour webinars are recorded.

Privacy

We value your privacy 

The information we collect in this form will be used to assess your application and shared with the Community Directors project delivery team, and representatives of the Office for Women. 

The form is powered by SmartyGrants and data is stored in Australia.  

By completing this form you are providing consent for Community Directors to collect and store your information in line with our Privacy Policy. 

Eligibility Confirmation

Please read the requirements below carefully and confirm your ability to participate fully in the program.  

  • I can commit to participating in the full program, including three full-day in-person workshops, two full-day online workshops, four 1-hour webinars, an online mentoring circle and an in-person graduation event. 
  • I have access to a stable internet connection and a computer/phone with video and microphone (required for active participation in online workshops and webinars).  
  • I am ready and able to commence the program on Monday 11 May 2026.  

 

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Specify any dates you cannot attend in the program and the reason why, as well as any other technology or connectivity concerns.