​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. 

​On 11 May the LIP were thrilled to Graduate from the Great Managers Program with Great Managers Founder and Managing Director, Sandra Wood, Director of Operations Cameron Burgess, our facilitator Eleanor Hayman and RDA Illawarra CEO Debra Murphy hosting the evening.

Each LIP member presented the highlights of what they had learned over the 5 modules of the program in a short presentation. The LIP are a creative bunch and we were wowed with a quirky poem, short videos demonstrating acting prowess, an innovative role-play, audience participation and insightful and GIF laden PowerPoints.

Throughout the program, delivered between February 2021 – April 2022, the LIP received coaching and training in self-awareness, emotional intelligence, self-management, critical conversations, setting clear expectations and developing, motivating and engaging staff. 
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It was clear LIP members had experienced significant growth since the learning commenced and the graduation presentations included heartfelt thanks for the learning and camaraderie, sharing of the life changing lessons learned and examples of how the program had changed them at work and at home. 

​Debra Murphy congratulated the LIP for their commitment to the program, as well as their ability to be vulnerable, courageous and respect each other.  She commented that it is fabulous to see the increased self-awareness, self-management and ability to influence others as well as the observable behavioural and mindset changes. The tools, techniques, models, mantras and building blocks of the program all helped them to learn.  Many participants had experienced increased confidence and felt better equipped to be the best versions of themselves that they can be.  

Celebration drinks were held after the presentation of certificates where we shared more reflections and learnings.

The LIP attended a site visit to Wollongong City Council on 31 March, hosted by General Manager Greg Doyle and Organisational Development and Leadership Coach Leila Hogan.

Greg has over 27 years’ experience at Wollongong City Council across a variety of roles and functions and had many valuable insights to share into how to create a high performance culture, taking care of staff wellbeing during challenging times and setting solid work-life boundaries. The LIP were inspired by the way Greg leads by example, particularly in terms of engagement with all levels of staff at council and the positive effect this has on workplace culture.

It was also a great opportunity to learn about the challenges the Illawarra is facing, the exciting developments and new projects earmarked for the future and the depth and breadth of council’s investment and involvement in our community. 

Greg impressed upon the group the importance and value of volunteering as Board Members as part of a well-rounded career trajectory. Greg has been on 15 boards in his career and spoke highly of the impact one can make through this type of contribution and the point of difference it offers as an employee.

Natalie Allan delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the group, thanking Greg for openly sharing the highs and lows of his leadership experiences and noting the new insights the visit had provided into the role of council and the size and scope of its footprint in our community. 

The first event of 2022 was held on 17 February, a session on Creating Culturally Safe Leadership, generously hosted by Jaymee Beveridge, Director of Woolyungah Indigenous Centre at UOW. The LIP sat outside in a circle and Jaymee explained that in Indigenous culture this is considered the right way to communicate, everyone can see each other, everyone’s voice is important and can be heard.

Jaymee asked the group to share one by one what their organisation does to advance Indigenous peoples issues and add any personal experiences. There were some interesting insights shared and a wide range of policies being adopted in different Illawarra businesses, from no specific actions to fully implemented Reconciliation Action Plans.

Jaymee challenged the group to think about the micro and macro picture and how they could make change. Leaders often fall into the categories of those who want to maintain the status quo, those who are fearful of getting it wrong and so don’t take any action and those who are change agents who say “let’s do it” and take needed steps forward. Discussion followed on new ideas that could be implemented, initiatives LIP members can personally advocate for at work and in the community.
 
Jaymee explained that the guiding principle “You can’t be what you can’t see” is frequently used to inspire and foster new initiatives.  LIP were encouraged to think about where else Indigenous youth can be encouraged and inspired, eg. internships, careers talks, sporting opportunities. There are opportunities for each of us.  All participants received a copy of the WIC’s publication You can’t say that! Hints and Tips, a useful terminology guide.

​Special thanks to Carlie Sulter who concluded the event with a personal and heart-felt vote of thanks for Jaymee that inspired us all.
 
About Jaymee & Woolyungah:

• Jaymee’s background is in social work, child protection, homelessness, housing and supporting vulnerable communities.
• The Woolyungah Indigenous Centre provides Scholarships, tutorial assistance and pastoral care for Indigenous students at UOW and has proudly achieved 4th in Australia for overall student success.

Our last event of the year was held on 9 December, a learning session on Networking for Success, delivered by RDA Illawarra CEO Debra Murphy.  Debra adeptly took us through the goals and outcomes we should expect from networking, the critical importance of first impressions, the do’s and don’ts of networking and how to spot a group that looks like they would welcome you to join them.  There were some very helpful tips and insights shared that we can all use in future networking situations. 

The session was followed by our LIP Alumni Celebration where we had the chance to test out our new skills!  It was great to catch up with Alumni from past LIP programs and celebrate the beginning of the festive season with our LIP supporters Associate Professor Grace McCarthy from UOW, Graham Lancaster, President of The Illawarra Connection and LIP Buddy Bill Dowson OAM.
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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at RDA Illawarra and the Leadership Illawarra Program. We look forward to seeing you in 2022.