This NAIDOC, ALPA is proud to highlight our Emerging Leaders program—an impactful initiative that connects with this year’s theme: The Next Generation: Strength, Vision, Legacy. 

ALPA's Emerging Leaders Program

The ALPA Board is led by 10 Yolŋu and Bininj Directors from ALPA's five member communities: Ramingining, Gapuwiyak, Galiwin'ku, Milingimbi and Minjilang. Backed by decades of knowledge and governance experience, the Board is committed to succession planning. 

Through the Emerging Leaders Program, the next generation are empowered to shape their communities from the front lines of decision-making. The program is an opportunity for young leaders to gain governance experience and work towards nomination for a formal Board position.

Two young men are currently a part of the program: Mark Gukgukpuy representing Milingimbi, and Dion Wunungmurra representing Gapuwiyak. 

Mark and Dion aren't just watching how things are done—they’re in the room working alongside ALPA Directors. As active contributors, the young men join Board meetings and engage in strategic discussions, listening and learning from those who have led before.

Mark Gukgukpuy - Representing Milingimbi

Mark Gukgukpuy has been steadily building confidence and showing leadership in his community of Milingimbi for some time now. As an ALPA Store Supervisor, Mark played a key role in store operations, supporting this vital hub of essential goods and services. Over the past year, he’s also taken on the role of Aboriginal Police Liaison Officer, working to strengthen trust and build productive relationships between police and community.

When Mark was nominated by the Milingimbi Community Advisory Committee to join ALPA’s Emerging Leaders Program, he felt proud to be recognised and determined to keep supporting his community. He believes young people have a responsibility to step forward, show leadership, and walk alongside older generations. Mark sees this role as a way to help drive positive change and create strong outcomes for Milingimbi into the future. 

Not long after his appointment in late 2024, Mark attended the NT First Nations Leadership Summit. Featuring a powerful lineup of speakers, the event was a chance to learn from the knowledge and stories of First Nations leaders and take part in important conversations. What inspired Mark the most was hearing from Leanne Liddle.

"I enjoyed the conference. It showed me that there are lots of Yolŋu people leading the way their communities are run," said Mark. 

“As a young person, I want to show leadership in my community by supporting the older people, and also helping to mentor other young people like me", - Mark Gukgukpuy, Emerging Leader.

Dion Wunungmurra - representing Gapuwiyak 

Through strong experience in health and community development, Dion Wunungmurra brings purpose and drive to his leadership story. 

After completing years 10 to 12 at St Joseph College in Geelong, Dion returned home to Gapuwiyak to work as a training and health practitioner at the local clinic, supporting families and contributing to frontline care. He later joined ALPA’s Community Development Program (CDP) as an Employment Consultant. Over three years, Dion worked closely with community members, helping them overcome employment barriers and find pathways to meaningful work.

Now a proud father of three children, Dion is looking forward to the contributions he can make as an Emerging Leader. He's eager to listen and learn from the other Directors, and share his own perspectives on issues he's passionate about. Dion knows how important it is to have young people like himself absorb knowledge from the older people, and he’s ready to be part of the work that leads to action and positive outcomes for community. 

“I’m excited to listen, share, and learn from the other Directors," - Dion Wunungmurra, Emerging Leader.