First Nations Economics and GOJII Launch Knowledge Mentoring Program

First Nations Economics has officially launched its new Knowledge Mentoring Program in collaboration with GOJII, marking the next stage in strengthening pathways for First Nations women participating in the Leah Armstrong Scholarship and broader capability-building initiatives.

The program commenced on 17 March 2026, with 22 mentors now paired with mentees for a structured three-month mentoring journey focused on practical guidance, leadership confidence and career development.

The collaboration was established in response to a clear insight from the scholarship program’s first three years: while financial support is critical, long-term success is strengthened when participants also have access to trusted relationships, practical advice and professional networks.

The Knowledge Mentoring Program is designed to complement the Leah Armstrong Scholarship, providing scholars and applicants with one-on-one access to experienced professionals who can support them as they navigate university, career pathways and leadership opportunities.

Key mentoring discussion areas include:

  • Career planning and pathway mapping
  • confidence in professional environments
  • leadership development and decision making
  • navigating transitions between study and work
  • strategic thinking and problem solving
  • building networks and professional relationships
  • exploring opportunities in economics, finance, consulting, governance and policy

FNE’s Manager, Community Impact, Leanne Coventry, said the collaboration reflects the organisation’s commitment to building strong support pathways around scholarship and leadership development.

“As the Leah Armstrong Scholarship enters its third year, we are seeing the importance of support that extends beyond financial assistance. The partnership with GOJII strengthens that pathway by connecting participants with experienced mentors who can provide practical guidance, perspective and confidence as they navigate their next steps.”

The launch cohort of 22 mentor-mentee pairings signals strong demand for mentoring that supports both personal and professional growth.

FNE acknowledged GOJII’s partnership in bringing the program to life and strengthening pathways to long-term leadership and economic participation.

Gurminder Saro

Interim Chair

Associate Professor Rick Macourt is a proud, queer Gumbaynggirr man, lawyer, and economic specialist. He leads First Nations Economics as Managing Director of Strategy and Foundation and serves as Associate Dean of First Nations Strategy and Services at the University of Sydney.

With over 15 years of experience spanning government, corporate, and not-for-profit sectors, Rick is deeply committed to advancing the economic development of First Peoples. As the former Director of First Nations Expenditure and Outcomes at NSW Treasury, he spearheaded the state’s inaugural Indigenous expenditure reporting processes and established the groundbreaking First Nations budget process in 2021/22. Previously, Rick held an executive role at the Westpac Group, overseeing First Nations affairs, and has a rich history in government, monitoring, evaluation, and negotiation, with senior positions at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, City of Sydney, and Standards Australia.

Rick is a published author with Oxford University Press, a member of the First Nations Advisory Board of Siemens Australia, and a Non-Executive Director on the board of Barnardos Australia.