Sydney Leadership was established 13 years ago and brings together current and emerging leaders from the business, government and not-for-profit sector (NFP), creating a network of people with the skills and determination to create positive social change.

Sydney Leadership is a year-long program with a hands-on approach to leadership. The award-winning program involves no textbooks or classrooms; it teaches leadership skills in real-world settings such as public housing estates, prisons and remote communities.

Social Leadership Australia has secured the scholarship funding from corporations and philanthropists to ensure participation from the NFP sector. Successful applicants for the 2012 scholarships will join an alumni that includes dozens of NFP leaders including CEOs from Getup!, St George Community Housing, The Asylum Seekers Centre and United Way Sydney.

Head of Social Leadership Australia Robbie Macpherson said that Sydney Leadership is designed to provide senior decision-makers with new skills to tackle the most challenging problems.

“These scholarships are designed to ensure the most diverse range of people possible can access this unique opportunity, meaning a better program for all participants,” Macpherson said.

National Director of GetUp! Simon Sheikh graduated from Sydney Leadership in 2009 and credits the skills he learned to the program.

“We live in a world that is ever changing and in desperate need of leadership,” Sheikh said. “Sydney Leadership gave me the capacity to adapt to these changing environments to work towards positive social change. It’s a program I recommend to all.”