Skies the limit for a future in 3D

Already taught to think outside the box, participants in the Leadership Great South Coast program were challenged to think – what if the box doesn’t exist?

Local leaders, Kylie Gaston and Emily Lee-Ack set the scene for what was a day of blue sky thinking, as the emerging leaders were presented with the regions strategic direction and the behind the scenes work that goes on to ensure the priorities of the community are kept front of mind in Government.

Already beginning to think big about long term possibility for the region, the program participants were blown away by the future direction of a new industrial revolution, as CEO of Australian 3D Manufacturing Association Mike De Souza explained the 3D manufacturing technology that will change every aspect of life as we know it.

Mr De Souza facilitated the day where the aspiring leaders were challenged to question the world as they know it, and to think of the opportunities that could emerge if the possibilities for growth were endless.

Leadership Great South Coast (LGSC) provides an annual community leadership program for aspiring and emerging leaders drawn from all sectors of the Great South Coast region.

LGSC participants are drawn from the business, community and government sectors, allowing participants to benefit from a variety of perspectives when considering the nature of leadership and the future of our community and economy.

Thank you to our guest speakers, Chair of the Great South Coast group Kylie Gaston, Great South Coast Regional Partnership Chair, Emily Lee-Ack and Mike De Souza and to our sponsor, Wannon Water.

Climate Program Day 2017

Dealers in Hope

The Global Ecological Crisis can be overwhelming; community leaders in the South West were challenged to model thoughtful everyday practice in response to our changing climate .

Senior climate specialist Graeme Anderson shared the “Climate Dogs” interactive tool as a best practice example of interpreting and understanding the changed weather patterns in Australia. Participants reflected on how they could model inclusive and engaging dialogues around climate change within the South Coast Region.

 Mark Woottan & Eve Kantor, principal owners of Jigsaw Farms, discussed the implications of climate change for primary industry. Mark and Eve shared innovative and evidence-based solutions, which included market analysis and integrated sustainable practice. Participants considered how they could be more adaptive in mitigating climate related risks in the South Coast Region.

 Director of Engagement for Sustainability Victoria, Carl Muller shared some shocking statistics about waste production across Victoria. Participants re-framed their thoughts regarding the products individuals purchase and the subsequent management of waste products. Southern Grampians Shire Sustainability Coordinator, Kylie McIntye, who facilitated an engaging exploration of local waste management practices, reinforced these messages.

2015 LGSC Alumni Jason Thomas provided a tour of his eight star rated sustainable home; and challenged participants all to question consumerism, culture and conventionality. Through his role modelling of a values-based approach to everyday lifestyle choices, Jason challenged participants to consider how they will facilitate and promote environmentally sustainable behaviours within their local community.

Thank you to our Guest Speakers for challenging LGSC Participants to consider how they will “become the change they wish to see in the world.”

Who are you? And what do you stand for?

Emerging leaders of the South West were challenged to explore and confront business and leadership ethics on the first Program Day of their twelve-month leadership journey.

Simon Illingworth, former member of the Victoria Police, shared his personal experiences of exposing corruption within the force. Filled with messages of honesty, persistence, bravery and determination to uphold the truth, Illingworth encouraged the group to have the courage to challenge the status quo, to see failure as a valuable vehicle to growth and to trust that the best decision will often be the hardest.

Dr Greg Wood, a leading international academic in ethics, facilitated the day with several interactive presentations on business and leadership ethics after which the group was given an opportunity to explore their own responses to ethical dilemmas through their view of the world.

Through their leadership journey our aspiring leaders, will be challenged to uphold their values, demonstrate courage and be confident that their decisions are ethical.

Thank you to our Guest Speakers, Simon Illingworth, Greg Wood, Kevin Leddin and to our sponsor Corangamite Shire.

Promoting Population Growth – A Conversation with Jack Archer

Leadership Great South Coast, in partnership with iGen Foundation and the Great Lakes Agency for Peace and Development, recently presented Jack Archer, CEO Regional Australia Institute.

Jack spoke about current population trends in regional Australia and discuss how we can encourage population growth to the Great South Coast region.

Jack highlighted the benefits of international migration and how it should be a ‘top priority’ to boost regional economies, increase population size and help to strengthen local communities.

International migration is responsible for over half the population growth in Australia, but Regional Australia has lower population growth than the cities – as it does not attract its share of international migrants.

Regional communities can increase migration to their areas if they are proactive. Jack Archer

Jack Archer, Chief Executive Officer, Regional Australia Institute

Jack has been with the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) since its inception in 2012, and developed the RAI’s policy and research program including major products such as Australia’s Regional Competitiveness Index and Australia’s Online Library of Regional Research. Jack took up the role as Chief Executive Officer on 1 July 2015.

In previous roles as a consultant and public servant, Jack contributed to major regional reforms in water, climate change, indigenous issues and industry.

Jack holds a Bachelor of Natural Resource Management (Hons 1) from the University of New England and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Originally from Paterson in the lower Hunter Valley of NSW, he now lives in the hills west of Canberra.