Archives & Records Association
of New Zealand
Te Huinga Mahara

2025 Aurora Leadership Institute

With a very successful Aurora virtual leadership programme now completed for the year, this is a reminder that applications are open to aspiring and emerging leaders in the GLAM sector for Aurora's Face to Face Intensive Leadership Institute . This offers an immersive 5-day learning experience held on the beautiful grounds of Mary McKillop Place in Sydney. Over the course of the retreat, participants engage in 35 hours of applied learning, gaining insights that will reshape their leadership journey.

Our program offers a comprehensive blend of activities that will inspire individuals to grow and succeed. Interactive sessions, 1:1 mentoring, and small group meetings with seasoned GLAM Mentors provide invaluable guidance for each unique leadership path. Our focus on reflection and authentic learning sets us apart, and the program empowers participants to leverage their strengths effectively.

Aurora's Leadership Program is not just about what happens in formal learning sessions. With up to 30 like-minded peers participating in the program, both within and outside the sessions, participants have the chance to network, connect, and learn from peers from across Australasia. These informal face-to-face interactions offer an unmatched experience, opening doors to future collaborations and growth.

Dates: 23-28 November 2025

Venue: Mary MacKillop Place, North Sydney https://www.marymackillopplace.org.au 

Mentors: Senior, experienced, industry-relevant mentors will actively participate throughout the five days of the Institute.

Facilitators: Kate Pearce from Personified has partnered with Aurora to successfully deliver Aurora’s Leadership Institute and Virtual Leadership Programs to more than 180 GLAM sector staff since 2021.  Kate and an additional qualified facilitator will deliver the 2025 Institute. https://www.personified.net.au 

Cost: AUD$6,500 (plus GST) includes programme facilitation, accommodation, and most meals. (Note that participants will be free to explore and dine together in the local area on three nights). The Aurora Foundation offers limited scholarships each year to participants who would otherwise not be able to attend as a paying participant.  

Face to face Institute

1. Strengths based immersive learning through intensive connection, conversation and reflection

2. Designed deep networking opportunities with cohort and mentors/senior leaders

3. Activities and experiences to provide a deep dive into current and emerging leadership theory and enhance practical application

4. 35 hours over 5 days (Sunday evening to midday Friday)

Guidance for Prospective Applicants

Applications consist of the following five documents:

1.       Your current Resume

2.       A short statement detailing where you consider you are in your leadership journey; for example, are you an aspiring or an emerging leader and why you consider this to be so (200-250 words max.) 

3.       A short statement detailing your aspirations for your career and leadership should you be successful in securing a spot on this year’s Institute (200-250 words max)

4.       Aurora values and supports diversity. Please provide a short statement about what diversity means to you (200-250 words max.)

5.       A statement of recommendation and support from your employer indicating that your organisation will cover the costs for you to attend the Institute.

6.       If a scholarship is being requested, please provide information as to why your organisation is not in a position to fully and or partially fund your participation.

Please email your application to programs@aurorafoundation.org.au . Please note that applications will be reviewed, and decisions made as they are submitted.  

Key Features to be Demonstrated by Applicants

Individuals who demonstrate: 

1.       KF1: Aspiration and a hunger to understand leadership and be the best possible leader they can 

2.       KF2: Aptitude, knowledge and skills to be engaged and stretched, and to learn and self-reflect 

3.       KF3: Curiosity, emotional maturity and empathy, and the ability to handle the Institute content and challenges it might bring up for them

4.       KF4: Refined understanding of diversity

5.       KF5: Organisational support for them undertaking the Institute

If you have further queries, please feel free to contact:

Scott Lumsden, Executive Officer, Aurora Foundation

E: programs@aurorafoundation.org.au 

M: 0466 312 401