The Red Earth Community Foundation, a prominent non-profit in the Burnett Inland, has officially launched the inaugural Cherbourg Community Leadership Program this July.
This significant initiative aims to empower emerging leaders within the Cherbourg community, fostering local talent and strengthening community leadership in one of Queensland’s most historically significant Aboriginal communities.
Date: June 30 2025
Introduction
The Red Earth Community Foundation, a prominent non-profit in the Burnett Inland, has officially launched the inaugural Cherbourg Community Leadership Program this July. This significant initiative aims to empower emerging leaders within the Cherbourg community, fostering local talent and strengthening community leadership in one of Queensland’s most historically significant Aboriginal communities.
About Cherbourg Community
Cherbourg, located in Queensland’s South Burnett region, is home to one of Australia’s most resilient Aboriginal communities. The community has a rich cultural heritage and continues to be a center for Indigenous leadership and innovation in regional Queensland.
The program receives vital support from the Queensland State Government and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR), underscoring a collaborative commitment to regional development and Indigenous empowerment.
Program Overview
The pilot program successfully brought together six aspiring leaders from Cherbourg for an intensive four-day immersive experience at the picturesque Bunya Mountains, a location chosen for its cultural significance and tranquil environment conducive to reflection and learning.
Cultural Leadership: The program represents part of a broader landscape of Indigenous leadership development in Queensland, complementing initiatives like the Queensland Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (QIYLP) and other community-driven capacity building efforts.
The curriculum was meticulously developed and facilitated by renowned Indigenous leadership experts, Lindsay Davies and Aunty Linda Biumaiwai. This development process involved extensive consultation with key community stakeholders, including Elders, the Cherbourg Council, various local organizations, and community members, ensuring the program’s relevance and cultural appropriateness.
Lindsay Davies, a proud Guwamu/Kooma man whose traditional country lies in south-west Queensland around the Balonne River region, serves as the Caring for Country Coordinator at Indigital. His deep understanding of both traditional and contemporary leadership approaches brings invaluable perspective to the program.
Aunty Linda Biumaiwai, a proud Mununjali woman with extensive experience across government and the private sector, brings decades of leadership experience to guide participants through their development journey.
Participants engaged in a rich array of activities designed to cultivate essential leadership qualities. These included sharing personal stories, exploring core values, practicing healthy communication techniques, mastering conflict resolution strategies, and developing creative problem-solving skills.
A key component of the program was distinguishing between management and leadership, equipping attendees with practical tools specifically tailored for effective community leadership roles. Lindsay Davies observed that the program “lit something up” in the participants, who “left with new confidence, new connections, and the sense that they’ve got a role to play in what comes next for Cherbourg”.
“The calibre of leadership we witnessed gives us tremendous hope for the future of Cherbourg. These participants demonstrated the vision, passion, and commitment that will drive positive change in their community.” – Aunty Linda Biumaiwai.Community Impact and Broader Context
The immediate impact of the program has been overwhelmingly positive, with many participants reporting increased confidence, new connections, and a renewed sense of purpose for their future contributions to Cherbourg. This aligns with other successful Indigenous-led initiatives in the community, including recent partnerships with organizations like Fujitsu and the Queensland Government that have created inclusive career pathways and demonstrated the community’s commitment to various forms of capacity building.
John Carey, Deputy Chair of the Red Earth Community Foundation, underscored the foundational importance of this investment. “Investing in local people and building leadership skills is core to what we do at Red Earth,” he stated, emphasizing the foundation’s dedication to empowering local communities. “When we strengthen Indigenous leadership, we strengthen the entire region.”
Red Earth Foundation Impact
11 years of community leadership programs
220+ alumni across the Burnett Inland
Coverage: South Burnett, Cherbourg, and North Burnett areas
Mission: Investing in people as a catalyst for regional prosperity
This Cherbourg Community Leadership Program is a vital component of Red Earth’s broader and ongoing commitment to building resilience and social capital across the entire Burnett Inland region. The program demonstrates how targeted, culturally appropriate leadership development can create ripple effects throughout a community.
The Red Earth Community Foundation, headquartered in the heart of the Burnett Inland which encompasses the South Burnett, Cherbourg, and North Burnett areas, is driven by its mission to invest in people as a catalyst for the region to thrive. Since 2013, the foundation has fostered a strong network of over 220 alumni through its various leadership initiatives, including its annual Red Earth Community Leadership Program, now celebrating its 11th year.
Participant Voices and Outcomes
The success of the program is perhaps best measured through the transformation witnessed in its participants. Beyond the increased confidence and new connections, participants have begun identifying specific areas where they can contribute to their community’s development, from youth mentorship to cultural preservation initiatives.
The program’s emphasis on distinguishing between management and leadership has equipped participants with practical frameworks for navigating the complex challenges facing Indigenous communities while honoring traditional governance structures and cultural protocols.
Looking Forward
Organizers are optimistic that the success of this pilot program will inspire and cultivate a new generation of leaders within Cherbourg. They anticipate providing ongoing support and opportunities for further development through national networks, including connections to the broader Australian Indigenous leadership community and access to continued professional development opportunities.
Plans are already underway to evaluate the program’s impact over the coming months, with follow-up sessions scheduled to support participants as they implement their leadership goals within the community. The foundation is also exploring opportunities to expand the program to other communities within the Burnett Inland region.
The foundation’s deeply rooted approach, which prioritizes meticulous community consultation and grassroots empowerment, is set to foster lasting positive change and opportunity throughout the Burnett Inland region. The continued success of programs like this is crucial for the long-term well-being and prosperity of communities like Cherbourg in regional Queensland, particularly as they work to preserve cultural heritage while embracing contemporary leadership challenges.
This is just the beginning. We’re not just developing leaders – we’re nurturing a movement that will strengthen our community for generations to come.” – Program Participant
About the Author
With a passion for storytelling and a deep commitment to community, Michael Vaughan is an experienced journalist, public historian, and advocate based in South Burnett, Queensland.
Read more about Michael
Drawing on more than 20 years of experience documenting Australia’s changing social landscape, Michael offers a distinctive perspective that blends historical depth with contemporary relevance.
Rooted in a family history dating back to 1910, he brings an intimate understanding of the region to his work.His expertise in advocacy journalism, civic reporting, and social history allows him to craft compelling narratives that inform, engage, and inspire diverse audiences.
His articles have been featured in notable publications such as Horizon and Cultural Reflections, where he explores themes of community resilience and social justice.
Michael’s debut novel, Echoes of the Past, is set to be released in 2025, further showcasing his dedication to weaving rich narratives that resonate with readers