First Nations

Victorian Young Leaders First Nations program

The 2027 VYL First Nations (VYLFN) program is designed for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students who are enrolled to complete Year 9 or 10 at a Victorian government school in 2027. The program includes a cultural and filmmaking camp in Victoria, followed by an overseas learning experience in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Through a blend of online and face-to-face activities, the program supports students in developing leadership, intercultural understanding and filmmaking skills, while fostering peer-to-peer learning with a focus on self-determination and cultural connection.

The program aligns with the Department of Education’s (the department) commitment to self-determination and improving outcomes for Koorie learners.

The 2026 Victorian Young Leaders First Nations program was a recipient of the Secretary’s Marrung Award.

Benefits for students

The program supports students to:

strengthen their leadership skills within and beyond their communities, while promoting a culturally safe and inclusive educational experience
build confidence through cultural and intercultural learning by engaging with peers in Victoria and Aotearoa
deepen understanding of self-determination, identity and connection to culture
gain practical experience in filmmaking as a way to share stories and perspectives.

Program structure

The different phases of the 2027 program are:

Victorian immersion

Virtual program sessions to support connection and sharing of insights to promote intercultural understanding, leadership and reflection.
5-day on-country experience in Phillip Island, including a range of cultural and filmmaking workshops held from 13 - 17 January, during school holidays.
Co-designed cultural immersion activities, guest speakers, guided sessions, and support for students to create short films in small groups while learning about Victorian First Nations histories, stories, and leadership.

Offshore experience Aotearoa

Pre-departure briefings and virtual collaboration session to prepare students with cultural knowledge, travel information and connections with New Zealand peers.
A fully coordinated 7-day visit (tentative dates 22 – 29 May 2027) to Aotearoa New Zealand for cross-cultural and peer learning with Māori students and cultural leaders, exploring self-determination and First Nations leadership through visits to schools and cultural sites.

Program reflection and celebration of learning

Online editing workshop to support students to finalise their Aotearoa video journals
In-person session to reflect on and celebrate student learning, explore students’ roles as leaders in their schools and communities, and identify opportunities to take action.
Department-organised film screening event, including a student Q&A panel.
Student-led film screenings within schools and communities.

Students will be supervised at all times in line with Victoria’s Child Safe Standards. All student participation, including flights, accommodation and meals in the program are funded by the department.

Key dates

Applications

7 September to 23 October 2026: Applications open

(Please note that this date has been extended from the original closing date of 16 October)

Information sessions

15 September, 3pm - 4pm: Principals and Teachers Information Session (To request a recording of this information session, please email: global.learning@education.vic.gov.au)
17 September, 5pm - 6pm: Student and Parent/Carers Information Session
8 October, 4pm - 5pm: Student and Parent/Carers Information Session
12 October, 4pm to 4.30pm: Q&A Session
19 October, 4pm to 4.30pm: Q&A Session

To register for the information sessions, visit: VYLFN information sessions.

Outcomes and welcome

November 2026: Applicants notified of outcomes
3 December 2026: Program welcome (online)
10 December 2026: Program kick-off (online)

Victorian cultural and filmmaking camp

13 to 17 January 2027: Victorian cultural and filmmaking Camp (CYC Phillip Island Adventure Resort)

Preparing for Aotearoa

18 March 2027: Student engagement online session with Māori peers
22 April 2027: Pre-departure workshop
29 April 2027: Cultural protocol learning (online)

Aotearoa immersion

22 May to 29 May 2027 (dates to be confirmed): Aotearoa cultural and educational immersion

Reflection and celebration

3 June 2027: Video journal editing workshop (online)
28 June 2027: In-person program reflection and celebration of learning
29 June 2027: Student film premiere event

To apply

Applications are now open. Student and teacher application forms and guidebooks are available below:

For questions, contact: global.learning@education.vic.gov.au

2026 program highlights

“The program made me think of what I can do for my community and the younger generations to make sure they have the same knowledge I do”
- Student participant

“It was a great experience, and I learned so much about my culture and everyone else’s culture. I also met so many amazing people in the process. If you get the opportunity, definitely take it.”
- Student participant

“If we are shaped by our experiences and communities, then this program is an outstanding tool to shape a future of self-determination, leadership and confidence. If you want to become the sort of leader you look up to, and an ancestor you would be proud of, it doesn't happen by accident. It happens by taking knowledge and wisdom from the opportunities extended toward you and applying them.”
- Supervising teacher

“This program enabled my child to experience a once in a lifetime opportunity. To be able to travel abroad in a supportive and inclusive environment and to experience cultural exchange with Māori young people. The staff went above and beyond to ensure the students were supported and that the experience was one they will never forget. The kids all returned with a sense of gratitude, accomplishment and an increase in their confidence levels. Thank you so much.”
- Parent/carer