LIFT Leadership Program

The LIFT Leadership Program is centred on the themes of leadership, critical thinking, trust, communication, collaboration, and evidence-based practice.

The program is delivered across 4 self-directed, online learning modules that address the following critical questions:

1. How does organisational context and culture influence innovation?
2. What leadership skills support innovation and its implementation into practice?
3. How do I implement innovation?
4. How do I bring others on the journey?

At the end of each online learning module, a hypothetical case study encourages participants to reflect and apply what they’ve learnt. Four online, facilitated peer workshops allow participants to discuss the case studies, share reflections and collaborate with other LIFT participants.

The total time commitment for the program is 16 hours (4 hours per module).

Confidence, skills and knowledge: You will learn the foundational skills of innovation leadership, empowering you to nurture a resilient team culture that embraces innovation and problem solving.

Practical resources: Whether introducing a new idea or refining an existing one, you will have access to tools to plan, co-design, and implement innovations.

Evidence-based approaches: Practice applying evidence-based approaches for successful innovation to aged care case studies to support translation back into your work context.

ARIIA Network: All program graduates become a member of the ARIIA Network, a community-of-practice that provides ongoing support, learning and networking.

Here’s what some of our students have to say about their LIFT journey…

I have done a number of leadership type courses before but given where we are as a sector and as an organisation this has by far been the most relevant in terms of the examples. The themes presented in LIFT were literally the same themes that we are navigating at the moment within our daily work. So, for me, it's exactly the work that I've been doing, and it far exceeded my expectations. I've been able to enhance my current practice and implement my newfound skills and learnings. In terms of my professional work there was a strong alignment with the themes within the ARIIA leadership program and it had a profound impact on by ability to be a successful leader.

- Shauna, National Operations Coordinator

I feel much more confident in guiding my team through change: I now understand how to plan innovation and develop communications in a structured way. My ability to use evidence (not just ideas) to support innovation has significantly improved. I can see more clearly how organisational context and culture affect innovation (especially in this industry) and that helps me anticipate resistance and plan accordingly.

- Jess Martin, Marketing & Communications Manager, Harbison
 

The LIFT leadership program has improved the way I lead change in the workplace, especially when introducing new processes or policies and strengthening old ones. My favourite take-away is that everyone in the organisation has a little slice of genius (by Linda Hill). Applying this has proven to be very effective in not only meeting goals but also in the continued sharing of ideas among staff. 

I found the online format quite insightful and fit well into my work schedule. I have recommended this program to other members of my team. This program would be most helpful for new nurses trying to grow in their career or to senior staff who have not fully realised their potential. 

- Kim Plamor, Clinical Quality Nurse, Alwyndor

Applications are currently closed and will reopen soon for our early 2027 cohort. 

To receive a notification when applications open, contact us at ariia@ariia.org.au to register your interest or use the enquire now button.

We offer discounts for groups of more than three participants from the same organisation. Additionally, we can tailor any of our programs to meet your specific needs—enquire now to discuss a tailored option for your organisation!

Pricing

• $600pp +GST which is an industry scholarship rate subsidised by support from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing through ARIIA.
• 10% discount for groups of 3 or 4, and 15% for groups of 5 to 15.
• Full scholarships at no cost to participants are offered to workforce from eligible organisations (as per criteria below).

Scholarship eligibility criteria

ARIIA invites eligible applicants to apply for a 100% scholarship. To be eligible to apply, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• Applicant provides aged care services located in Rural and Remote zones (MMM classification 3 to 7)
• Applicant provides aged care services specifically to vulnerable populations
• Applicant provides aged care services specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander care recipients (ACCO)
• Small and medium-sized organisations with fewer than 250 beds, packages,
  or clients

These scholarships are intended for organisations that serve communities facing unique challenges in delivering aged care and are approved by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission to deliver Australian Government-subsidised home, residential, or flexible care services. In some cases, applicants employed by other organisations may also be eligible, at the discretion of ARIIA’s Research Director.

If you or your organisation meets one of these criteria, we encourage you to apply for a 100% scholarship and take advantage of this opportunity to build your, or your staff’s capacity through the LIFT Leadership Program. 

Availability

Applications are currently closed for 2026 LIFT Leadership Program and will reopen soon for our early 2027 cohort. Register your interest to be notified when applications open by contacting us at ariia@ariia.org.au or click the Enquire now button at the top of the page. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your skills to lead teams through innovation, implementation, and change. 

Program delivery details

• Delivered as an online course totalling 16 hours across 8 weeks. (16hrs = 4 x 4hrs, of which 4 x 2.5hrs is self-directed learning and the remaining 4 x 1.5hrs is facilitated discussion)
• For up to 15 people from the same or mixed organisations.
• Organisations wanting group bookings have the option of negotiating some tailoring of the course content and delivery style to suit their needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Guidelines

The guidelines provide detailed information about program delivery, eligibility criteria, and the application process.