For many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, leadership is rooted in culture, kinship, and a deep responsibility to guide others with wisdom, humility, and respect. Strong leadership plays a vital role in:

• nurturing identity, 
• promoting healing, and 
• building connections across generations.

For Lonny, a Wirangu and Wongi man, the path to purpose began with the influence of a respected Aboriginal Elder—Uncle Don Hayward.

“As a teenager, I had no sense of direction,” Lonny shares. “I looked for answers in drugs, alcohol, and relationships. Being a kid, I didn’t know where I’d go in the world.”

That changed when his aunty invited him to church. There, Lonny met Uncle Don—an Elder who offered not only spiritual guidance, but a living example of Indigenous leadership in action.

In 2015, Lonny came to faith, and he credits Uncle Don’s guidance as foundational: “Uncle Don has been with me the whole journey.”

Aboriginal leaders and the power of mentorship

Mentoring has always played a vital role within the Churches of Christ movement—and within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, it holds even deeper cultural and spiritual meaning. Aboriginal leaders are often Elders who guide their communities not just spiritually, but also culturally and socially. 

One such relationship existed between Pastor Sir Doug Nicholls (1906–1988) and Pastor Sonny Graham. From 1958 to 1961, Sonny became the first Indigenous student at Glen Iris Bible College in Victoria. During this time, Sir Doug—himself a trailblazer for Indigenous rights and reconciliation—mentored Sonny, sowing seeds that would grow into lifelong leadership and advocacy.

These two respected Indigenous leaders are remembered not only for advancing cultural preservation and justice, but for their commitment to raising others up through faith and service. 

Today, stories like this continue to unfold. Uncle Don Hayward, an Aboriginal Elder, is among the respected Indigenous leaders who are faithfully guiding the next generation. His approach reflects the essence of Aboriginal leadership: 

• walking alongside, 
• listening deeply, and 
• nurturing others with patience and purpose.

The seeds sown by Indigenous leaders today are shaping a stronger, more hope-filled future for generations to come.

Historical legacy: Australian Indigenous leaders who paved the way

Across generations, Australian Indigenous leaders like Sir Doug Nicholls, Aunty Jean Phillips, and Pastor Sonny Graham have made a profound national impact—shaping the landscape of justice, health, and spiritual leadership in Australia. 

That legacy lives on today in the story of Lonny whose life was transformed through the guidance of Aboriginal Elder Uncle Don Hayward. 

Today, Lonny serves as the associate pastor at the Melbourne Indigenous Church Fellowship and is emerging as one of the young Australian Indigenous leaders supported through the Indigenous Ministries Australia (IMA) Pathways program.

IMA Pathways—an initiative of Global Mission Partners—supports the development of young Indigenous leaders by providing access to training, resources, and mentorship. In 2022, Lonny completed his studies at Ridley Bible College in Victoria. And perhaps most meaningfully, the program sponsored Uncle Don to attend Lonny’s graduation.

“Wow! A major milestone in my life,” Lonny said of the moment he saw his mentor there. “Everyone has been there for me.”

Just as Pastor Sonny Graham was mentored by Sir Doug Nicholls, today’s young leaders like Lonny are being nurtured by dedicated Elders and supported through programs like IMA Pathways.

Faith, calling, and Indigenous leadership: Lonny’s journey continues 

Lonny’s journey of faith and leadership continues to unfold as he pursues his bachelor’s degree in ministry at Ridley College, Victoria. As the only Aboriginal student currently enrolled, Lonny’s presence is a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and the unique role faith-based organisations play in shaping the next generation of Australian Aboriginal leaders.

For Lonny his calling into ministry is deeply personal. 

“There’s such a need for more Indigenous people to respond to God’s calling into ministry,” Lonny shares. His experience highlights how Indigenous leadership often begins with spiritual conviction and is nurtured through the support of community and mentors—like Uncle Don Hayward, a respected Aboriginal Elder who has walked with Lonny from the beginning.

Through initiatives like the Indigenous Ministries Australia (IMA) Pathways program, Lonny is being equipped not just with theological knowledge, but with the tools to lead with purpose, compassion, and cultural understanding.

Investing in the future of Indigenous leadership in Australia

For Lonny, the future of Indigenous leadership in Australia begins with investing in young people—equipping them to lead not just in their communities, but in their faith.

“A lot of Aboriginal Elders and pastors are elderly now,” Lonny reflects. “We need young fellas to stand up. Young fellas can stand up in sports, work and trades… so who is standing up for faith?”

Supported by the Indigenous Ministries Australia (IMA) Pathways program, Lonny is developing as a leader rooted in both faith and culture. The program has walked alongside him through his theological studies, pastoral work, and spiritual growth, offering both practical and emotional support along the way.

As Lonny steps into greater responsibility and visibility as an emerging voice in Aboriginal leadership, he knows that leadership isn’t just about where you stand—it’s about who you walk with.

The future of Aboriginal leadership will be shaped by young leaders like Lonny—those who are willing to answer the call, inspired by the legacy of their Elders, and committed to building strong, faith-filled communities for generations to come.

The challenges and hope for young Aboriginal leaders

Pursuing ministry as a young Aboriginal person often means walking in two worlds—honouring deep cultural roots while stepping into new and sometimes unfamiliar spaces. Lonnie knows this journey well.

When he left his home in Adelaide, South Australia, to study ministry in Melbourne, it was more than just a physical move. It meant leaving behind country, family, and cultural connection—things that are deeply woven into Aboriginal identity.

“Aboriginal people are connected to their land and culture,” Lonny shares. “There is always the fear that if they go somewhere, they won’t come back.”

That fear is real—and it represents just one of many barriers faced by young Aboriginal leaders. Access to higher education, financial pressures, and the feeling of cultural isolation are common challenges. Being the only Aboriginal student in his course at Ridley College, Lonny has felt the weight of being a minority in a space not always designed with his story in mind.

But Lonny also speaks of the encouragement that keeps him going—his connection to Elders, support from the Indigenous Ministries Australia (IMA) Pathways program, and the presence of peers walking a similar road.

“Seeing others passionate, willing, and faithful… even if it is the slightest thing,” he says, “is encouraging to me.”

Programs like IMA Pathways offer critical opportunities for Aboriginal leaders in Australia, helping them overcome the practical and emotional challenges of leadership training. Through mentoring, education, and faith-based support, these pathways create space for young leaders like Lonny to thrive—without having to leave their identity behind.

As Australia looks to the future, investing in young Aboriginal leaders isn’t just important—it’s essential. Because when those leaders are empowered, they return stronger. And when they return, they help their communities flourish.

Support the next generation of Indigenous leaders in Australia

At Global Mission Partners, we believe in walking alongside and supporting Indigenous leaders in Australia—leaders like Lonny, who are answering God’s call and stepping into ministry with courage and faith.

But this journey doesn’t happen alone.

Churches, donors, and communities all play a vital role in nurturing this growth. Your partnership helps plant and water the seeds of leadership—so they can flourish in the hearts of young Indigenous people across the country.

Give today and help provide support.
Learn more about First Nations Immersion Experiences.

Together, we can invest in the future of Indigenous leadership in Australia—and ensure these stories of hope continue for generations to come..