The Leadership stream emphasises investing in the capability building of the rural, regional, and remote for-purpose sector. By nurturing the workforce in these areas, TFFF aims to enrich the community and initiate a positive ripple effect. Capability building also involves the development of board and governance structures, providing organisations with the necessary tools for effective leadership and decision-making.
new approvals
activities supported
of funding towards First Nations leaders
total Leadership funding approved and distributed
The figures in the infographics above refer only to funding approved and distributed in the 2025/26 financial year.
Australian Plays Transform (APT) is the national play development, publication, and licensing organisation. It believes in a world where Australian plays transform those who connect with them: artists, audiences, and societies.
For over thirteen years, APT (and its predecessor Playwriting Australia) has delivered the Australian First Nations Playwrights Retreat and Development Program. The Program is designed and delivered with the leadership of self-determined First Nations partner companies Ilbijerri Theatre Company (Vic), Moogahlin Performing Arts (NSW), and Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company (WA), and the Retreat is hosted by Bundanon, on the land of Dharawal and Dhurga language groups. The TFFF’s Leadership funding is supporting program administration and delivery in 2024-2026, with a specific focus on enabling participation of regional Queensland and Northern Territory playwrights. Crucially, the First Nations partner companies were supportive of the TFFF’s geographic remit, acknowledging the gap in self-determined professional theatre companies in these places.
The 2025 Program playwrights enjoyed seven days away at Bundanon in December, exploring ideas, writing, sharing, risk-taking, mentoring, and collaborating. The six-strong cohort curated by the partner companies comprised TFFF-supported participants Ghenoa Gela, Melanie Mununggurr, and Shahnee Hunter, and Waverley Stanley, Cezera Critti-Schnaars, and Megan Ugle. Program alumni and APT’s Resident Dramaturg Jada Alberts and actor/director/dramaturg Shari Sebbens were present throughout to guide the experience and support individual goals.
The Retreat started with everyone being welcomed to Country by Knowledge Holder, Language Custodian, and Cultural Educator Drew Longbottom. The cultural connection of the program was further strengthened with catering from Aboriginal women-led social and cultural enterprise Blak Cede.
Since 2022, the Program has expanded to include a further development period after the initial retreat. This is now underway with Jada Alberts and APT Producer Sian Murphy working with the playwrights to complete bespoke next stage development for their plays.
Photos by Sian Murphy.
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Australian Plays Transform is the national play development, publication, and licensing organisation. It is the national advocate for playwrights and supports the life cycle of their work, from idea genesis to publication. TFFF funding supports Queensland and Northern Territory playwrights to attend the annual Australian First Nations Playwrights Retreat and Development Program, investing in the pipeline of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander theatre for Australian and international stages.
Subsidising two scholarships in ARLF’s flagship Australian Rural Leadership Program, enabling Course 33 participants Stuart McGifford (NT) and Lauren Fearne (Qld) to further develop the skills and networks to confidently contribute to the future prosperity of rural and regional Australia.
Partial funding for Philanthropy Australia’s Queensland & Northern Territory management staff, Kim Harland (Senior Director of Engagement) and Stephanie Hubbard (Engagement Lead), ensuring Queensland and Northern Territory have dedicated representation and support in the national peak body’s portfolio.
Regional Arts Australia (RAA) is the national organisation for rural, regional, and remote arts. Artlands has been RAA’s flagship sector-wide gathering since 1998, and a cornerstone of its people and place-led approach. Artlands 2026 will see the event return to Queensland after 20 years, with delegates meeting on Kabi Kabi Country on the Sunshine Coast. TFFF funding is supporting two part-time roles: an Artlands Producer (regional Qld), to lead program development and delivery, and a First Nations Lead (NT), to work alongside RAA’s Indigenous Knowledge Circle and Kabi Kabi Traditional Owners.
A TFFF initiative designed to support the executive leaders of its funded organisations with subsidised, high-quality professional development. The Program content is co-designed by The University of Queensland Business School lead academics, TFFF staff, and partner organisations. The two-day learning experience is held annually in Brisbane, and in August 2026 will include 15 participants from across Queensland and the Northern Territory.
The provision of bursaries for preservice teachers in the Rural and Remote Education Program, delivered by University of the Sunshine Coast’s School of Education and Tertiary Access. Preservice teachers complete placements in rural, regional, and remote schools as well as Coast to Country immersion trips that ensure teaching excellence and equity.
1Co-administered through the Australian Cultural Fund’s Amplify Program. Applications approved in previous financial years are not included in total FY26 Leadership funding approved and distributed.
Throughout this report a ^ symbol identifies an Indigenous-led organisation or agreement where TFFF funding has specifically benefitted Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
