​The LIP ventured to Sydney on 8 June for a full day visiting both Infrastructure Australia and the Parliament of NSW. Peter Colacino, Chief of Policy and Research at Infrastructure Australia, Carmen Pennisi, Manager - Policy (Place & Regions) and Jonathan Cartledge, Director, Policy & Research generously hosted the group for a presentation on Infrastructure Australia’s role including current challenges: sustainability strategy, skills shortage constraints, the housing crisis and the shift to renewable energy. All amidst a frequently changing political landscape.

The group learned about Infrastructure Australia’s well-developed frameworks, processes, data sources, tools and models and gleaned further leadership insights from the interactive presentation. Hayley Rodd delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the group, noting the key take aways.

In the afternoon at the Parliament of NSW, the LIP enjoyed attending Question Time in the Legislative Assembly where they saw first-hand how this part of the legislative process unfolds with topical and challenging questions asked and answered. This was followed by a tour of Parliament and finally a leadership discussion hosted by The Hon. Peter Poulos, Member of the Legislative Council and Parliamentary Secretary for Wollongong and the Illawarra, Paul Scully, Member for Wollongong and guest Lee Evans, Member for Heathcote.

The LIP appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the day-to-day workings of the Parliament of NSW and learn about the challenges and achievements our hosts have experienced in their political careers. Rob Bruce delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the staff who made the visit possible and the lessons learned from this unique opportunity.

​The LIP attended a site visit at Flagstaff Group on 1 June, hosted by Chief Executive Officer, Roy Rogers, Executive Manager Marketing and Communication, Alison Turner, Executive Manager Life Choices and Support, Rodney Clark and Division Managers. The Flagstaff Group are a not-for-profit organisation that provides supported disability employment through its multiple business divisions.

In small groups we visited the Print, Mail and Digital Division, Recycling Services, Flagstaff Fine Foods and Laundry Services. We met the Division Managers, some of the workers and saw various processes in action. We were all impressed when one worker from the Laundry Services division provided a top-notch demonstration on how to expertly fold a fitted sheet neatly, a great skill to have! We were also treated to a delicious Chocolate Gateaux cake, a favourite from the Fine Foods Division.

Roy Rogers led a leadership discussion outlining his leadership principles of being Fair, Firm and Consistent and answering questions from the group. The LIP appreciated Roy sharing his leadership principles and insights into communication, leading by example, the balancing act of profit and people and recruitment strategies during the current workforce shortage. We were all impressed by the breadth of Flagstaff’s offerings and the passion shown by the Division Managers for their teams and their work.
 
We were inspired to learn how Flagstaff supports people with disabilities and various community groups in a positive and inclusive way. Rodney Clark, a former LIP member, shared some of his journey since completing the LIP and reminded us to stay connected well past when the program ends.
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Amanda Nedeski delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the group, thanking Roy, Alison, Rodney and their team for welcoming us and sharing their passion and drive to help the community by creating ongoing work opportunities for people with disabilities.