Ethical Leadership in a Challenging World

Leading with courage and being fearless in what you do…..what does that actually mean when you are faced with an ethical dilemma? What are the potential consequences for your career, your personal life and our overall sense of well-being.

We aspire to be great leaders, to support others, lead by example and do what’s right for our organisations, our community, our family in line with our values and our sense of what’s right and wrong.

What happens when the lines are blurred or you discover something in your organisation that is, in conflict with your values or is unethical?

Through the lived experience of a Victorai Police force whistle-blower we can see that sometimes making the right decision and upholding your ethical values takes great courage and unfortunately there is at times a signifcant price to pay for that bravery. In some organisations the level of Ethical behaviour is questionable, sometimes corruption is clear and obvious and at other times after years of ethical fading a culture is created where bending or breaking the rules slowly and subtly becomes the norm and conforming is an expectation. It’s at these times you need to make a clear and definitive decision….. are you getting on the bus (conforming), riding alongside the bus (ignoring) or standing in front of the bus – taking a stand to do what’s right?

Upholding ethical values takes courage, we need to be brave and stand up for what is right. It requires us to make the right decision…. which is not always the easiest decision.

“Good People Own Courage”
Simon Illingsworth

The Journey Begins

The Opening Retreat was an opportunity for the participants to come together and get to know each other, it was the first of many days that they would spend together during their Leadership Great South Coast experience.

The Facilitator, the wonderfully energetic, vibrant and dynamic Corrinne Armour led the group on a journey of self reflection, discovery and growth as each participant was pushed to the edge of discomfort allowing them to extend on their self awareness and explore new opportunities for growth and development. Conversations were honest, upfront and fearless, and each participant was left with a mix of emotions… energised, aware, knowledgeable, connected and excited to name a few.

This was the beginning of an exciting, fulfilling and challenging year during which the participants will focus on self discovery, awareness and community, they develop networks and add to their leadership toolkit. The Program supports partcipants to challenge their perspective, beliefs, vision and hopes for the future…….we can’t wait to see what lies ahead for each of the 2020 participants.

Congratulations to our 2019 Graduates

Please join us in welcoming our 2019 Alumni:

Adam Kent, Returned Services League, Sponsor: Warrnambool City Council

Jason Eats, Yambuk and Codrington Wind Farms

Ben Fraser, Portland Observer Sponsor: Committee for Portland

Andrew Povey, Wannon Water

Brendan Donahoo, Emmanuel College Sponsor: Hugh Williamson Foundation

Anthony Dufty, Corangamite Shire

Kate Roache, Beyond the Bell

Kelly Barnes, Western Ag Sponsor: Agriculture Victoria

Ashlee Scott, Warrnambool Racing Club

Bradley Collins, Self Employed Dairy Farmer, Sponsor: Gardiner Foundation

Jan Mackenzie, Lyndoch Living

Tafadzwa Chitava, Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative Sponsor: Wannon Water

Jason Cay, Southern Grampians Shire

Nikki Edwards, Portland District Health Sponsor: South West Community Foundation

Juan Donis, Warrnambool City Council

Amy Silvester, South West TAFE

Rachael James, Westpac Bank, Sponsor: Gardiner Foundation

Sophie Baulch, Wannon Water

Actively Contributing to Our Community

11,000 families. 62,000 people. 24,000 hampers. 217,000 meals. These figures are huge. This is the impact and reach Warrnambool & District Foodshare has had over the past 6 years in our region supporting our community through a dedicated team of volunteers led by the charismatic Dedy Friebe. The story of Foodshare is one of many we were privileged to be a small part of recently in a day exploring the true value of volunteerism in our region.

Volunteerism is strong in our region. This should come as no surprise when you dig a little into the opportunities available in the Great South Coast to be a part of the community by giving your time, skills, knowledge or just lending a hand to one of the many groups listed on the Volunteer Connect website. The value volunteers bring to our region is significant.

The value in volunteering is personal too. To be part of a group, build a network, extend your skills, knowledge and leadership, make social connections and test a new career are some of the many benefits volunteering can bring. Having a personal volunteerism strategy can be an effective way to find a meaningful pathway to contribute in the community while extending your professional experience at the same time.

Witnessing the dedicated SES team of volunteers in training as they extricated a passenger from a vehicle cutting it open like a tin can was a great example of the opportunities volunteering offers to build skills and knowledge. I’m grateful we have this crack team of emergency service volunteers on hand in our region after seeing their ability to work as a team and troubleshoot on the fly and under pressure.

Hearing several personal stories on this program day of journeys and adventures through volunteerism gives the 2019 LGSC participants great food for thought in considering where to next? In a year of significant personal and professional growth it’s fitting that our last program day of the 2019 program leaves us to consider how we can continue to contribute the best of ourselves as community leaders into the future.

Brendan Donahoo, 2019 Participant