Leadership Development Institute
Once a year, CareerTrackers flies every intern in the country to Sydney for three days of keynotes, workshops and the National Gala Awards. More than 400 make the trip, from first years through to final years.
Three days that set the pace for the rest of your career.
The centrepiece of the CareerTrackers year — keynotes from leaders at the top of their fields, workshops that sharpen how you show up and a national community that becomes yours for life.
400+
Interns flown in from across Australia
3 days
Keynotes, workshops and celebration
1,500+
Guests at the National Gala Awards
Your National Community, All in One Room
The professional world can feel big. At LDI you find your place in it, alongside hundreds of other First Nations students walking the same road.
The Institute brings together interns from first year of university through to final year and beyond. It is where lifelong friendships are forged and professional networks are born.
Through hands-on workshops, keynotes and shared stories, we bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be.
What does it cost you to attend?
Nothing. CareerTrackers flies every intern to Sydney, with accommodation and transport covered.
One gathering, three events.
LDI packs the whole CareerTrackers community into one week — here is what fills it.
Intern LDI Conference
Three days of keynotes and workshops for every current intern, built around confidence, clear career goals and the professional and personal skills that carry a career. Cultural understanding and connection to Country run right through the program.
National Gala Awards
The signature evening of the CareerTrackers year — leaders from corporate Australia, government, philanthropy and the universities in black tie, with interns in the room alongside them. Awards through the night recognise excellence across the program and in study.
National Alumni Conference
Two days built the same way as the intern conference, aimed at careers already in flight. More than 200 Indigenous professionals came back in 2026 for keynotes and sessions on negotiation, personal finance, entrepreneurship and AI at work.
One gathering, three events.
LDI packs the whole CareerTrackers community into one week — here is what fills it.
Intern LDI Conference
Three days of keynotes and workshops for every current intern, built around confidence, clear career goals and the professional and personal skills that carry a career. Cultural understanding and connection to Country run right through the program.
National Gala Awards
The signature evening of the CareerTrackers year — leaders from corporate Australia, government, philanthropy and the universities in black tie, with interns in the room alongside them. Awards through the night recognise excellence across the program and in study.
National Alumni Conference
Two days built the same way as the intern conference, aimed at careers already in flight. More than 200 Indigenous professionals came back in 2026 for keynotes and sessions on negotiation, personal finance, entrepreneurship and AI at work.
The room attracts serious people
In 2026, civil rights leader Martin Luther King III keynoted the National Gala Awards alongside Australia’s leading First Nations CEOs, lawyers and executives.
Questions about LDI
Every current CareerTrackers intern, from first years through to final years, alongside alumni, employer partners and community leaders. More than 400 interns attended in 2026.
Yes — LDI is a core part of the CareerTrackers internship program and every intern takes part. Ask anyone who has been: it is the week the community looks forward to most.
Nothing. CareerTrackers covers flights to Sydney, accommodation and transport for every intern.
LDI runs over three days in Sydney. In 2026 the Institute was held at Sydney Olympic Park on Wangal Country, with the National Gala Awards at the International Convention Centre in Darling Harbour on Gadigal Country.
Dates for the next LDI are shared with interns through the program.
Partners attend the National Gala Awards, put forward award nominations and connect with the community across the week. Nominations close 12 December.
Nominate for the Gala Awards