Culture Program Day

The LGSC participants gathered at the Warrnambool Lighthouse Theatre and were invited to challenge their knowledge of Culture in both the society we belong and our workplace.

Facilitator Lynda Ford Director iGen Foundation explained with 60 Million refugees in the world at present and another 60 Million people displaced.

Lynda highlighted “Racism is the laziest form of discrimination- you don’t even have to get know someone to dislike them”, this statement challenged our thinking and was a take home quote for the day

Lynda provided an insight into the resilience of people from other cultures relocating and leaving family behind. She questioned the role of the community and provided examples of proactive ways to welcome new residents from diverse backgrounds.

Is Australia an embracing multi-cultural society?

Craig Biddiscombe from Elite Team Dynamics explained the importance workplace culture. If the structure is sound and if all members “Buy in”, workplace dynamics can improve, this creates avenues for honest face-to–face feedback and encourages role modelling of the right behaviors. celebrating selflessness and understanding were key strategies for cultural development in the workplace

The group was left to question – How can we improve our workplace culture?

A highlight of our day and a fitting close was the congratulations given to Delna on her Australian Citizenship, which was officially recognised on 20th April.

Thank you to Warrnambool City Council for hosting our group and sponsoring our Program Day.

2016 Participant Reflection

Five months in I cannot underrepresent the challenge that the LGSC program has presented me. I have questioned every aspect of my being and what I want to do with my life. I am devoted to continuous learning and self-improvement, seeking out feedback and searching for my passion. In the interim, I’m stepping up at work and in the community, creating further opportunities for myself and those around me to grow. I’m stronger, more confident and a better communicator, and I’m not giving up any time soon. Emma 2016 Alumni

Project Management Training

2017 Program Participants gathered in Port Fairy sharpen their Project Management skills. The enthusiastic group were motivated, challenged and rewarded with skills that will translate to the success of projects being undertaken in south-west Victoria.

The Project Management day was fast-paced, and, at times, overwhelming but participants learnt that this accurately reflects successful project management outcomes. Group facilitator, Kevin Bennett from the Best Practice Network, took participants through the steps of effective project management with a unique approach. The Countdown Challenge asked participants to look at the ways they communicate, define roles, clarify goals and use their natural skills to deliver a project on time, within budget and to the set requirements.

Key learnings of the year-long leadership program are to reflect, analyse and evaluate ourselves as leaders and, in this case, project managers. The Project Management day demonstrated to participants how projects can be set up and the critical need to define roles of the project management team. These roles then allow team members to increase their skills and capacity across projects.

The skills that were further developed by the group through the Countdown Challenge have given participants the foundations to better plan, execute and evaluate the future projects. A quote from Aristotle summed up Kevin’s message:

“First, have a definite, clear practical ideal; a goal, an objective. Second, have the necessary means to achieve your ends; wisdom, money, materials, and methods. Third, adjust all your means to that end”. 

With LGSC program participants readying to embark on community projects, the increased skills and capacity are set to benefit the Great South Coast region.

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.