Empowering First Nations leadership

Dr Bianca Beetson MAICD

She’s a celebrated First Nations leader and contemporary artist who has long walked the line between cultural heritage and modern leadership.

Dr Bianca Beetson MAICD, a proud Kabi Kabi woman from Australia’s Sunshine Coast area in Queensland, has spent more than three decades contributing her expertise and passion to boards across Australia. Yet it was only this year she decided to formalise her governance knowledge through the AICD Company Directors Course.

“I’ve been on boards for over 30 years,” she reflected, “And I thought it was really important to finally get some qualifications behind me—something that backs up what I’ve been doing.”

As Director of First Nations at the Queensland Museum, Chair of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) Board, and a board member at the Gallery of Modern Art, she brings deep cultural insight and leadership to the arts and community sectors.

In studying the five-day residential course, she was looking for a bridge between her lived experience and the governance frameworks shaping Australia’s future.

With the encouragement of her peers, Dr Beetson embraced the challenge. Her reaction to being awarded the scholarship was a mix of excitement and apprehension. “Sixty hours of reading!” she exclaimed. “With my huge job, I wondered how I’d manage. But preparation builds confidence.”

The practical course proved to be transformative with its case studies, sharpening her understanding of boardroom responsibilities, clarifying the often complex relationship between executive teams and boards and helping her feel more secure in her own capabilities. “It’s helped with my imposter syndrome,” she admits. “It’s reminded me that I bring real strengths to the table.”

Governance principles, financial literacy and strategic oversight — all became clearer, allowing her to confidently ask the right questions in boardrooms.

Dr Beetson now applies her learnings daily—whether reporting to boards in her executive role or chairing meetings at CIAF. The knowledge has strengthened her governance practices, allowing her to lead with more assurance and foresight. “When governance is strong at CIAF, it has real flow-on effects for the community—especially for Queensland artists,” she says.

The course also illuminated the weight of directorship. “Finance scares the hell out of me,” she laughs. “But I now understand the serious legal implications of the role. You have to be present, prepared, and focused”.

Perhaps most powerful for her was the network formed. “Being in that room with people from such diverse backgrounds gave me a broader perspective,” she shares. “Our paths will cross again—and together, we’ll keep creating change.”

For Dr Beetson, the Company Directors Course was more than education. It was empowerment—and a step toward a more inclusive, better-governed future for all.

From the Torres Strait to the boardroom: Nancy Bamaga MAICD

First Nations leader Nancy Bamaga MAICD, a proud Torres Strait Islander woman born and raised on Cape York in Bamaga with family originating from Saibai Island, has long dedicated her life to advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander interests through cultural, artistic and governance roles. Her participation in the Company Directors Course marks a significant milestone in that journey, offering new pathways for influence and leadership.

With a background richly rooted in cultural heritage, activism and community engagement. First generation born and raised on Cape York in Bamaga, she serves on several First Nations advisory panels and is actively involved with contemporary arts institutes.

Over three decades, including 10 years as manager of Queensland Aboriginal Creations, she has helped hundreds of First Nations performers and visual artists launch careers and build businesses. She is the founder of Bamaga Productions, a full-service Indigenous-owned and operated content creation, strategy and events consultancy.

Until recently she sat on the board of Tourism and Events Queensland and was also a member of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee. She is also a past member of the BlakDance Cultural Council.

Her decision to apply for the Company Directors Course stemmed from a desire to seize opportunities not available to previous generations. “Times have changed,” Bamaga notes. “Good governance is vital, and we now have access to knowledge that builds capacity within our communities.” She views education and boardroom participation as a pathway to self-determination, empowerment and sustainable community leadership.

Learning highlights include a deeper understanding of governance, financial literacy, and risk management. The ability to read budgets and interpret financial data has already enabled her to contribute meaningfully to community organisations. She sees these skills as crucial not only for her personal growth but also for mentoring the next generation of First Nations leaders.

One of the most powerful outcomes has been the sense of connection. “The network is fabulous,” she says, referring to her fellow participants, including emerging young First Nations leaders. Living in an urban setting has given her access to professional networks, but now, with the support of the AICD, she also gains the recognition and credentials to match.

She encourages other First Nations people to apply for the scholarship, stressing her ambition for younger generations. “We need inspiring role models,” she says. “The opportunity is there—you just have to focus on your goals.”

From cultural tourism to major events like the G20, Bamaga’s lifelong contributions continue to resonate through her communities.

About the AICD First Nations Scholarship Program

The third and final round of this program will open for applications in July 2025. With support from the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), the AICD is partnering with the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute (AIGI) and The Observership Program. It is aimed at developing a cohort of First Nations directors ready to contribute to boards across Australia. Find out more about the scholarship. If you have any questions or comments about this scholarship program, please contact scholarships@aicd.com.au.