AN INVITATION TO ASPIRING BOARD DIRECTORS

The Observership Program 2027  

– Pathway to board directorship for aspiring young leaders based in the South West region of Victoria

The Observership Program pairs talented emerging leaders with not-for-profit and government boards across Victoria, Sydney and Brisbane for a 12 month period. Observers gain practical boardroom experience while participating in a comprehensive governance training program supported by Program partners, the Australian Institute of Company Directors and The Ethics Centre. 

Over the last few years, The Observership Program has partnered with a range of not-for-profit and government-appointed boards in Victoria’s South West Region including Brophy Family and Youth Services, South West Healthcare, South West TAFE, Kardinia Park Stadium Trust, Wannon Water and Mpower among others.

The aim is to build capacity in the region for succession planning by offering talented professionals with aspirations for board directorships a valuable board experience and governance training.

The Program’s participating boards are seeking candidates aged 25-45* with professional skills, based in the South West region of Victoria to learn about and contribute to board work. 

* The Observership Program has extended the candidate age criteria for candidates who reside in the South West region of Victoria. 

 Applications open 22 June 2026

To apply, you need to: 

• Be based in South West Victoria 

• Be aged between 25 and 45* years old. 

• Be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident and live in the state for the duration of the Program. 

• Have either no prior board experience or little or no formal governance training. 

• Have a passion for the for-purpose sector and want to make a valuable contribution to the South West regional community while learning about board governance. 

• Have capacity and support to attend all board meetings and 10+ training sessions (some of which are online and some are face-to-face in Melbourne CBD). 

The Observership Program is committed to creating an inclusive experience for all participants. Sharing information about adjustments/access requirements including those that may not traditionally classify as disability accommodations.

Here are some examples: wheelchair access, advance materials, digital participation options, sensory space, support animal and specific communication preferences.  Review the complete list of adjustments/access requirements that we currently provide to applicants, candidates and Observers.

Accessible documentation and collateral
We have an accessible website (work is underway to ensure all areas of the website is accessible) and the application platform meets the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1 to at least a level AA compliance. 

• An accessible copy of the 2027 Sample SW Region Application form [once form is finalised, to hyperlink]
• An accessible copy of the FAQs.
• An accessible copy of the Accessibility FAQs
• An accessible copy of the 2026 Handbooks.
• An accessible copy of our Terms and Conditions 
• Emails and invitations are accessible. 
• An accessible video of details of the Program and support on offer for people with disabilities – [in progress] 
• An accessible video ‘An introduction to The Observership Program’. 
• An accessible video explaining ‘Tips and hints for Successful Applications’. 

 Applications open 22 June 2026

Please refer to the FAQs, 2027 sample application, 2026 Program Handbook and watch the videos above. 

If you require further information, please contact: 

• Courtney Mathew courtney.mathew@wannonwater.com.au
• Bernadette Monnier bernadette.monnier@swtafe.edu.au
• Catherine Reiser, Director, The Observership Program, Victoria, vicprogram@observership.com.au

Accessibility Statement
The Observership Program is committed to ensuring user experience and accessibility for people with disability. We will continue to evolve and improve the accessibility of our Program by listening and learning from people with lived experience of disability. 

Acknowledgement of Country 

The Observership Program acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and emerging. We also accept the invitation in the Uluru Statement from the Heart to walk together with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in a movement of the Australian people for a better future.