But from another angle, it’s an emu’s footprint walking in the other direction.

Academy director Marc Sutherland said the significance of the logo was much more than just a clever piece of art.

“It’s important, because this program is about understanding both directions, and both western and traditional perspectives,” Mr Sutherland said.

“Often those two clash – for example, a traditional value we’re often taught is humility, but we also need to learn to sell ourselves by writing a resume or accepting praise.

“We need to have the strength and balance both ways this arrow is heading. Unless we acknowledge and build on both of these we aren’t going to be as strong as we can.”

The academy formalises what Mr Sutherland and academy supporter Joblink Plus have been doing – creating young leaders – for years through the various programs they run.

“Culture has been taught and passed down in this country for a long time,” Mr Sutherland said.

“For us, this is just ensuring that continues to happen at a higher level.

“We want to recognise those values we teach, turn those values into action and transform that into leadership.”

Mr Sutherland said each participant would establish their own goals and where they wanted to be in 12 months.

“They might come to us and say they’re fascinated by language, and over the next 12 months they want to learn as much as possible,” he said.

“So on a weekly basis we can mentor that young person to build up a vocabulary of verbs, songs and sentences.”

Joblink Plus CEO Christine Shewry says the academy would have a “ripple effect”.

“Our aim is that they take this to other places and will become the ambassadors of the program, so we’ve created a whole leadership group,” Ms Shewry said.

“We want this to be universally supported and recognised for what it brings to the whole community.

“These young Aboriginal leaders will go on to become community leaders.”

This year 10 young leaders will take part in the program, but with 45 applicants in two weeks, the academy is already considering expanding the program next year to cater for the demand.