Indigenous Legal Pathways
Sponsorship opportunity!
Sponsorship to attend Bilata Legal Pathways Program days and official launch
The Bilata Legal Pathways Program is seeking applications for those interested in attending the Program days and the official launch of the Bilata Legal Pathways Program on 14th and 15th December 2017.
The program days will include a range of activities, hearing from guest speakers including Aboriginal lawyers and an introduction to the Law School of Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) Pre-Law program.
The official launch of the program will be held in the afternoon on 14th December 2017. Australia’s first Aboriginal person appointed as Senior Counsel, Mr Tony McAvoy SC, will officially launch the program. Guest speakers will also include Chief Justice Michael Grant QC and North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency CEO Priscila Atkins.
To apply for the sponsorship, you must:
• Have a genuine interest in a pathway to study law;
• Be a participant of the Bilata Legal Pathways Program.
Sponsorship is available for travel and accommodation to Darwin for participants of the Bilata Legal Pathways Program.
To apply for the sponsorship and as a participant, the application form can be found here or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for an application form to be sent to you.
Applications are due close of business, 17th November 2017.
For any queries about the sponsorship, the Programs Officer for the Bilata Legal Pathways Program, Mark Munnich, can be contacted on:
Phone: (08) 8982 5100
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Bilata Legal Pathways Program aims to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the legal profession in the Northern Territory. In 2015 the NT Law Society ‘Balance’ publication 2/15 reported that out of the 533 practitioners, only 10 identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander which equates to approximately under 2%. Qualifications in law also open up a wide range of career pathways outside of legal practice and with more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people gaining qualifications in law there will be increased benefits for our communities.
The name ‘Bilata’
Bilata (pronounced, Bee-la-ta) is the Larrakia word for a wooden spear-throwing device, also commonly known as a woomera. The Bilata was traditionally used to guide a spear along a pathway and assists with direction, speed and accuracy. It is used for many purposes and is sometimes more revered and more valued than a spear.
Program Principles
- Knowledge is shared 2 ways
- Encourage expectations, no shame in failing
- Pushing boundaries, being culturally safe
- Fostering connections
Reference Group Members
- Former Chief Justice The Hon. Trevor Riley (co-chair)
- North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency CEO, Priscilla Atkins (co-chair)
- Chief Justice The Hon. Michael Grant QC
- Chief Judge Dr John Lowndes
- Law Society NT CEO, Kellie Grainger
- Charles Darwin University, Prof Ned Aughterson
- Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, Sally Sievers
- Barrister, Mr. John Lawrence SC
- Lawyer, Ms. Amanda Nobbs
The Bilata program invites participants from the following groups:
• In partnership with schools, years 10 – 12 students (youth participants)
• Law students studying at Charles Darwin University
• Law students from the Northern Territory studying a law degree interstate
• Other adult participants interested in studying law at a university level
The program will provide opportunities for 3 sets of participant categories for: Youth/High School participants; Current Law students; and Adult applicants who have an interest in studying law. Applicants are asked to identify their category and to refer to, and submit, the relevant application page.
Are you:
A young person? (High School or college student Years 10 - 12)
Youth participants will have access to:
- Scheduled program days
- Mentor group arrangements as arranged
- Work experience connections with law firms, and
- Other activities organised by the program
If yes, please refer to the ‘Application for Youth/ High School Participant’
Application for Adult Participant
University student participants will have access to:
- Scheduled program days
- One-on-one mentoring opportunities
- Mentor group arrangements as arranged
- Internships
- Other activities such as a launch and end of year event
If yes, please refer to the ‘Application for Current Law Students/ University Participant’
An Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person interested in or passionate about potentially studying law?
Adult participants will have access to:
- Scheduled program days
- Other activities organised by the program.
If yes, please refer to the ‘Application for Adult Participant’
Testimonial
“I’ve just spoken with my daughter and I want to thank you and all involved in this amazing program and the opportunities that have been presented to our kids. My daughter was very enthusiastic about the prospects (which is rare for a teenage girl), which shows the approach and direction being utilised is spot on. It is great to see an initiative encouraging our youth to strive, but also ensuring they take the responsibility for their journey. It takes hard work and it won’t be just handed to you.”
Mother of a Youth Participant
Contact
For more information, please contact Mark Munnich, Program Officer for the Bilata Legal Pathways Program.
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: (08) 8982 5100
Please note whilst the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) is currently managing the program we work with the Reference Group and are approaching schools and other select organisations to develop formal partnerships for the program.
The program will provide opportunities for 3 sets of participant categories for: Youth/High School participants; Current Law students; and Adult applicants who have an interest in studying law. Applicants are asked to identify their category and to refer to, and submit, the relevant application page.