2025 - 2026 LEADERSHIP ILLAWARRA PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS NAMED
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Five emerging leaders from Illawarra businesses have been awarded scholarships to the esteemed Leadership Illawarra Program, setting them on the path to becoming key drivers of the region’s future success.
A record 38 applications were received for the 2025–2026 program, with the following recipients selected for scholarships:
The two-year experiential learning program, celebrating 12 years of operation in 2024, is a collaboration between Regional Development Australia Illawarra Shoalhaven, the Sydney Business School at the University of Wollongong, and The Illawarra Connection. It aims to develop inspired, well-connected leaders passionate about fostering the Illawarra’s growth.
The 2025–2026 cohort comprises 25 participants representing industries including manufacturing, marketing, local government, not-for-profit organisations, small business, and the community sector.
RDA Illawarra Shoalhaven Chair, Mark McKenzie, said the calibre of applicants continues to demonstrate the Illawarra’s commitment to nurturing visionary leadership.
“For more than a decade, the Leadership Illawarra Program has built a reputation for producing forward-thinking leaders dedicated to the region’s future,” Mr McKenzie said.
“This year, we received a record 38 applications for scholarships, reflecting both the program’s growth and the exceptional calibre of talent in the Illawarra. A strong, progressive Illawarra relies on diverse voices and innovative ideas, and this program equips participants with the tools, connections, and insights to make a lasting impact across the community and beyond.”
Among the scholarship recipients, Sam Barlow, Senior Civil Engineer and Project Manager at GHD, expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunities the program offers to grow both professionally and personally.
“This program is a chance to gain practical leadership skills and build a strong network of like-minded individuals who can provide advice, mentorship, and support as I navigate my career,” Mr Barlow said.
“I also see this as an opportunity to contribute to the Illawarra region’s future by embracing innovative approaches to community challenges, like the mixed-use developments that balance residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. Through collaboration and thoughtful planning, we can create a city that thrives socially, economically, and environmentally.”
Loreto Medina, Marketing and Fundraising Coordinator at Healthy Cities Illawarra, shared her aspirations to leverage the program’s opportunities to contribute to a thriving local economy.
“My vision is to see Wollongong and the Illawarra recognised globally as a vibrant, sustainable, and innovative place to live and work,” Ms Medina said.
“The region has the potential to attract world-class employers and create opportunities for businesses and individuals to flourish, supported by the exceptional talent pipeline from the University of Wollongong.”
The 2025–2026 Leadership Illawarra Program will officially commence in February, continuing its mission to empower the region’s next generation of leaders.
Enquiries: [email protected]
A record 38 applications were received for the 2025–2026 program, with the following recipients selected for scholarships:
- Alexandria Reed, Group Head of Aged Care Centre Operations, IRT Group
RDA Illawarra Shoalhaven scholarship recipient
- Gabrielle Voller, Disability Employment Mentor, Asuria Australia
RDA Illawarra Shoalhaven scholarship recipient - Loreto Medina, Marketing & Fundraising Coordinator, Healthy Cities Illawarra
Sydney Business School, University of Wollongong scholarship recipient
- Salvatore Carmusciano, Chief Executive Officer, Illawarra Academy of Sport
The Illawarra Connection scholarship recipient - Sam Barlow, Senior Civil Engineer/Project Manager, GHD
RDA Illawarra Shoalhaven scholarship recipient
The two-year experiential learning program, celebrating 12 years of operation in 2024, is a collaboration between Regional Development Australia Illawarra Shoalhaven, the Sydney Business School at the University of Wollongong, and The Illawarra Connection. It aims to develop inspired, well-connected leaders passionate about fostering the Illawarra’s growth.
The 2025–2026 cohort comprises 25 participants representing industries including manufacturing, marketing, local government, not-for-profit organisations, small business, and the community sector.
RDA Illawarra Shoalhaven Chair, Mark McKenzie, said the calibre of applicants continues to demonstrate the Illawarra’s commitment to nurturing visionary leadership.
“For more than a decade, the Leadership Illawarra Program has built a reputation for producing forward-thinking leaders dedicated to the region’s future,” Mr McKenzie said.
“This year, we received a record 38 applications for scholarships, reflecting both the program’s growth and the exceptional calibre of talent in the Illawarra. A strong, progressive Illawarra relies on diverse voices and innovative ideas, and this program equips participants with the tools, connections, and insights to make a lasting impact across the community and beyond.”
Among the scholarship recipients, Sam Barlow, Senior Civil Engineer and Project Manager at GHD, expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunities the program offers to grow both professionally and personally.
“This program is a chance to gain practical leadership skills and build a strong network of like-minded individuals who can provide advice, mentorship, and support as I navigate my career,” Mr Barlow said.
“I also see this as an opportunity to contribute to the Illawarra region’s future by embracing innovative approaches to community challenges, like the mixed-use developments that balance residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. Through collaboration and thoughtful planning, we can create a city that thrives socially, economically, and environmentally.”
Loreto Medina, Marketing and Fundraising Coordinator at Healthy Cities Illawarra, shared her aspirations to leverage the program’s opportunities to contribute to a thriving local economy.
“My vision is to see Wollongong and the Illawarra recognised globally as a vibrant, sustainable, and innovative place to live and work,” Ms Medina said.
“The region has the potential to attract world-class employers and create opportunities for businesses and individuals to flourish, supported by the exceptional talent pipeline from the University of Wollongong.”
The 2025–2026 Leadership Illawarra Program will officially commence in February, continuing its mission to empower the region’s next generation of leaders.
Enquiries: [email protected]
Future leaders seek answers on sustainability and renewable energy
L to R: Debra Murphy, RDA Illawarra; Dr Clayton McDowell, UOW; Dr Leela Kempton, SBRC UOW; Ty Christopher, UOW; Isabelle Ghetti, Wollongong City Council
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Dr Leela Kempton, leading a tour of UOW's award winning Sustainable Buildings Research Centre
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28 November 2023
Busting myths and navigating the wealth of information about sustainability initiatives and key net zero challenges facing the region will be at the core of the Leadership Illawarra Program’s Sustainability and Renewable Energy Forum today.
Our region’s future leaders will learn about the road map for renewable energy in the Illawarra following a tour of the University of Wollongong’s Sustainable Buildings Research Centre.
The forum will welcome key speakers Dr Clayton McDowell, UOW Associate Director Sustainability and Ty Christopher, UOW Director Energy Futures Network. The event will end with a Q&A session featuring both speakers and current LIP members Dr Keela Kempton of the UOW Sustainable Buildings Research Centre and Isabelle Ghetti, Wollongong City Council Environment Planning Manager.
The discussion will include initiatives, challenges, myth busting and explanations about the efficiency of energy sources including offshore wind, nuclear, hydrogen and solar. Participants will also learn about sustainability practices in the workplace.
RDA Illawarra CEO Debra Murphy said learning forums were an important part of the LIP curriculum along with site visits, UOW masterclasses and mentoring.
“The program seeks to equip our future leaders with knowledge about a range of issues that impact the region so they have the confidence and understanding to help the community and business sectors navigate change,” she said.
“Supporting the transformation of the region to a net zero economy and meeting our decarbonisation challenges are pivotal issues for the Illawarra and it is only by being well informed that strong decisions can be made.”
The LIP Sustainability and Renewable Energy Forum is being held in the Sustainable Buildings Research Centre, Building 237, Innovation Campus on Tuesday 28 November 2023 from 3.30pm to 5.30pm.
The Leadership Illawarra Program is an initiative of Regional Development Australia, Illawarra, in partnership with The Illawarra Connection and Sydney Business School, University of Wollongong.
Enquiries: [email protected]
MOU ensures bright future for Leadership Illawarra Program
Left to right: Debra Murphy, CEO RDA Illawarra, Daniel Rowan LIP Steering Committee Chair, Professor Colin Picker, Executive Dean, Faculty of Business and Law, UOW, Graham Lancaster AM, President of The Illawarra Connection
25 October 2023
A program heralded for developing the Illawarra’s next generation of leaders continues to thrive with the signing of a new three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The Leadership Illawarra Program is an initiative of Regional Development Australia, Illawarra, (RDAI) who drive economic growth, innovation and entrepreneurship in the region through facilitating investment in community, industry and the environment.
RDAI partners with The Illawarra Connection and Sydney Business School, University of Wollongong to present the two-year experiential learning program which is currently in its 11th year.
More than 100 people have completed the program which works collaboratively to enhance regional leadership skills and experience to ensure a strong, connected and resilient Illawarra community.
RDAI CEO Debra Murphy said the signing of a new MOU was indicative of the ongoing success of the Leadership Illawarra Program at a time when the region faces strong economic growth and high levels of investment.
“Our region is preparing for an unprecedented pipeline of transformational infrastructure projects that brings with it a growing population and strong economy,” she said. “It is by fostering the professional growth and networking abilities of the next generation of community leaders that we can ensure the Illawarra thrives throughout this period. Participants in the program are drawn from a range of private, not-for-profit and government organisations and are encouraged to develop innovative ideas to ensure the Illawarra remains strong and progressive.”
Each two-year LIP program includes mentoring by Illawarra business leaders, workshops, masterclasses, adaptive leadership coaching and site visits to organisations such as BlueScope, Shellharbour City Council, Greenacres and the Australian and NSW parliaments.
The program’s current 6th cohort began in January with 27 participants and runs through 2024. The new MOU begins on October 31, 2023, and will include a new intake of participants in January 2025. Applications for the 2025 program will open mid next year.
Enquiries: [email protected]
A program heralded for developing the Illawarra’s next generation of leaders continues to thrive with the signing of a new three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The Leadership Illawarra Program is an initiative of Regional Development Australia, Illawarra, (RDAI) who drive economic growth, innovation and entrepreneurship in the region through facilitating investment in community, industry and the environment.
RDAI partners with The Illawarra Connection and Sydney Business School, University of Wollongong to present the two-year experiential learning program which is currently in its 11th year.
More than 100 people have completed the program which works collaboratively to enhance regional leadership skills and experience to ensure a strong, connected and resilient Illawarra community.
RDAI CEO Debra Murphy said the signing of a new MOU was indicative of the ongoing success of the Leadership Illawarra Program at a time when the region faces strong economic growth and high levels of investment.
“Our region is preparing for an unprecedented pipeline of transformational infrastructure projects that brings with it a growing population and strong economy,” she said. “It is by fostering the professional growth and networking abilities of the next generation of community leaders that we can ensure the Illawarra thrives throughout this period. Participants in the program are drawn from a range of private, not-for-profit and government organisations and are encouraged to develop innovative ideas to ensure the Illawarra remains strong and progressive.”
Each two-year LIP program includes mentoring by Illawarra business leaders, workshops, masterclasses, adaptive leadership coaching and site visits to organisations such as BlueScope, Shellharbour City Council, Greenacres and the Australian and NSW parliaments.
The program’s current 6th cohort began in January with 27 participants and runs through 2024. The new MOU begins on October 31, 2023, and will include a new intake of participants in January 2025. Applications for the 2025 program will open mid next year.
Enquiries: [email protected]
Future leaders confront vulnerabilities in order to shine
19 June 2023
For the next few months, Big Fat Smile Acting Executive Manager Risk and Compliance Tammie Dron will analyse her vulnerabilities and strengths in a bid to become one of the region’s new generation of leaders.
As one of 27 participants in the 2023-24 Leadership Illawarra Program, Ms Dron has been partnered with mentor and Cram Foundation CEO Karen Burdett, to work on her self-selected goals and develop the skills to become a vocal advocate for the Illawarra.
Together they will take stock of Ms Dron’s personal factors, imagine future possibilities, set goals, develop plans, consider strategies and implement opportunities for personal and professional growth.
According to Ms Dron, the two-year program will help her better understand how to communicate ideas and work with like-minded people to deliver strategies and programs to drive future change in both her workplace and the broader Illawarra community.
“I was thrilled to be teamed with Ms Burdett as a mentor as she has a similar vision and purpose to my own,” she said. “I know she’ll share with me her own positive and negative learnings as well as listen to my goals and unpack emerging issues.
“I’m hoping she’ll challenge my perspectives while sharing insights into leading teams and supporting others. This will give me the confidence to pursue opportunities and lead from the front in developing new ideas to support a changing community.”
The Leadership Illawarra Program, now in its 11th year, is a partnership between RDA Illawarra, The Sydney Business School, University of Wollongong and The Illawarra Connection. It aims to produce inspired and well-connected visionaries with a passion for the region.
The 2023-24 program draws future leaders from businesses as diverse as Wests Illawarra, Mercer, BlueScope, IMB Bank, not-for-profit organisations, local government, small business and the community sector. The mentors include retired Illawarra senior leaders, current leaders of large organisations, business directors and board members.
RDA Illawarra CEO Debra Murphy said the role of mentors is to encourage growth of a resilient community by sharing their wealth of knowledge with the next generation of potential leaders.
“Some of our mentors hold PhDs, while others are recipients of The Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) or Members of the Order of Australia (AM),” she said. “They are passionate about our region and the community and want to ensure the Illawarra enjoys economic prosperity and strong liveability standards into the future.”
Enquiries: [email protected]
For the next few months, Big Fat Smile Acting Executive Manager Risk and Compliance Tammie Dron will analyse her vulnerabilities and strengths in a bid to become one of the region’s new generation of leaders.
As one of 27 participants in the 2023-24 Leadership Illawarra Program, Ms Dron has been partnered with mentor and Cram Foundation CEO Karen Burdett, to work on her self-selected goals and develop the skills to become a vocal advocate for the Illawarra.
Together they will take stock of Ms Dron’s personal factors, imagine future possibilities, set goals, develop plans, consider strategies and implement opportunities for personal and professional growth.
According to Ms Dron, the two-year program will help her better understand how to communicate ideas and work with like-minded people to deliver strategies and programs to drive future change in both her workplace and the broader Illawarra community.
“I was thrilled to be teamed with Ms Burdett as a mentor as she has a similar vision and purpose to my own,” she said. “I know she’ll share with me her own positive and negative learnings as well as listen to my goals and unpack emerging issues.
“I’m hoping she’ll challenge my perspectives while sharing insights into leading teams and supporting others. This will give me the confidence to pursue opportunities and lead from the front in developing new ideas to support a changing community.”
The Leadership Illawarra Program, now in its 11th year, is a partnership between RDA Illawarra, The Sydney Business School, University of Wollongong and The Illawarra Connection. It aims to produce inspired and well-connected visionaries with a passion for the region.
The 2023-24 program draws future leaders from businesses as diverse as Wests Illawarra, Mercer, BlueScope, IMB Bank, not-for-profit organisations, local government, small business and the community sector. The mentors include retired Illawarra senior leaders, current leaders of large organisations, business directors and board members.
RDA Illawarra CEO Debra Murphy said the role of mentors is to encourage growth of a resilient community by sharing their wealth of knowledge with the next generation of potential leaders.
“Some of our mentors hold PhDs, while others are recipients of The Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) or Members of the Order of Australia (AM),” she said. “They are passionate about our region and the community and want to ensure the Illawarra enjoys economic prosperity and strong liveability standards into the future.”
Enquiries: [email protected]
Scholarship recipients named for Leadership Illawarra Program
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15 December 2022
Five rising stars of Illawarra businesses will take up the mantle of becoming next generation leaders for the region after being awarded scholarships to the prestigious Leadership Illawarra Program.
Aleisha Brooke-Smith, Alison Turner, Peter Katsoudas, Carlie Belancic and Mitchell Bell were selected from a record 35 applications to receive scholarships for the two-year experiential learning program which this year celebrated 10 years of operation.
A partnership between RDA Illawarra, The Sydney Business School, University of Wollongong and The Illawarra Connection, the Leadership Illawarra Program aims to produce inspired and well-connected visionaries with a passion for the region.
Overall, 25 future leaders from businesses as diverse as BlueScope, IMB Bank, not-for-profit organisations, local government, small business and the community sector will undertake the program.
RDA Illawarra CEO Debra Murphy said there had been widespread interest in the program with enquiries flowing throughout the past year.
“During the past 10 years we have built a reputation for producing forward-thinking leaders who have the best interests of the Illawarra at heart,” she said.
“A strong, progressive region is achieved by encouraging fresh and innovative ideas drawn from the experiences of people from different backgrounds and age groups. The Leadership Illawarra Program gives its participants the coaching, connections and understanding of the Illawarra to develop and drive the region’s future identity.”
Aleisha Brooke-Smith is Head of Marketing and Communications at Greenacres and has been awarded The Illawarra Connection scholarship. She said the education and guidance she will receive through the program will benefit not only herself, but her employer and people living with disability in the Illawarra.
“Applying for this scholarship, isn’t just about what I can become but how I can empower others to become the change the Illawarra needs,” she said.
“I hope to lead by example and empower people with a disability to be active members of the workforce, their circles of support and the wider Illawarra community.”
IRT Group Strategy Development Lead Peter Katsoudas is receiving the Sydney Business School, University of Wollongong scholarship for 2023-24. He applied for the program in order to have an impact on the future growth of IRT, an organisation that is pivotal to helping older Australians in the Illawarra.
“Now, the future is about seeing Wollongong and the Illawarra develop its modern identity as a thriving, vibrant, world leading place to live and work, with strong ethos around our environment, responsible business and social communities,” he said. “In my vision, the local business economy is thriving, offices are full and desirable employers - think Google - have decided to set up campuses around our region. Through UOW, the Illawarra offers a consistent pipeline of talent.”
The 2023-24 Leadership Illawarra Program will begin in February.
Five rising stars of Illawarra businesses will take up the mantle of becoming next generation leaders for the region after being awarded scholarships to the prestigious Leadership Illawarra Program.
Aleisha Brooke-Smith, Alison Turner, Peter Katsoudas, Carlie Belancic and Mitchell Bell were selected from a record 35 applications to receive scholarships for the two-year experiential learning program which this year celebrated 10 years of operation.
A partnership between RDA Illawarra, The Sydney Business School, University of Wollongong and The Illawarra Connection, the Leadership Illawarra Program aims to produce inspired and well-connected visionaries with a passion for the region.
Overall, 25 future leaders from businesses as diverse as BlueScope, IMB Bank, not-for-profit organisations, local government, small business and the community sector will undertake the program.
RDA Illawarra CEO Debra Murphy said there had been widespread interest in the program with enquiries flowing throughout the past year.
“During the past 10 years we have built a reputation for producing forward-thinking leaders who have the best interests of the Illawarra at heart,” she said.
“A strong, progressive region is achieved by encouraging fresh and innovative ideas drawn from the experiences of people from different backgrounds and age groups. The Leadership Illawarra Program gives its participants the coaching, connections and understanding of the Illawarra to develop and drive the region’s future identity.”
Aleisha Brooke-Smith is Head of Marketing and Communications at Greenacres and has been awarded The Illawarra Connection scholarship. She said the education and guidance she will receive through the program will benefit not only herself, but her employer and people living with disability in the Illawarra.
“Applying for this scholarship, isn’t just about what I can become but how I can empower others to become the change the Illawarra needs,” she said.
“I hope to lead by example and empower people with a disability to be active members of the workforce, their circles of support and the wider Illawarra community.”
IRT Group Strategy Development Lead Peter Katsoudas is receiving the Sydney Business School, University of Wollongong scholarship for 2023-24. He applied for the program in order to have an impact on the future growth of IRT, an organisation that is pivotal to helping older Australians in the Illawarra.
“Now, the future is about seeing Wollongong and the Illawarra develop its modern identity as a thriving, vibrant, world leading place to live and work, with strong ethos around our environment, responsible business and social communities,” he said. “In my vision, the local business economy is thriving, offices are full and desirable employers - think Google - have decided to set up campuses around our region. Through UOW, the Illawarra offers a consistent pipeline of talent.”
The 2023-24 Leadership Illawarra Program will begin in February.
LIP celebrates 10 years of inspiring the next generation of leaders
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Illawarra business leaders are celebrating a decade of success for a learning program designed to enrich and sustain the region’s leadership talent.
The Leadership Illawarra Program is a partnership between RDA Illawarra, The Sydney Business School, University of Wollongong and The Illawarra Connection. It aims to produce inspired and well-connected visionaries with a passion for the region.
In its 10 years of operation, the two-year experiential learning program has supported 101 participants aged from 26 to 59 years with 59 percent of participants being female.
RDA Illawarra CEO Debra Murphy says the broad base of talent accessing the program and the enthusiasm of the business leaders taking on the mentoring roles is what makes the program such a success.
“Leadership development is critical to regional development and the whole community benefits when ideas and opportunities are presented by a wide range of advocates,” she said.
“This program draws people of all ages and backgrounds with experience in different fields and provides them with strong connections, leadership coaching and an understanding of both the broader community needs and the industries or organisations that drive it.
“Our mentors have decades of experience to share and by doing so we ensure the best for the Illawarra into the future. It’s brilliant to be celebrating 10 years of delivering this program and we have so much more to achieve.”
Warrigal Wellness and Lifestyle Manager NSW & ACT Shiva Gopalan completed the Leadership Illawarra Program from 2016 to 2018 gaining valuable experience and credit towards his Master of Business Administration at the University of Wollongong, a course he intends to commence in the near future.
“The opportunity to learn from current business leaders within my community helped me refine my own skills while building stronger relationships within the community,” he said.
“With the confidence and skills it gave me, I not only became a finalist for the IBA Young Executive of the Year while completing the program, I have used it to facilitate my growth within my own organisation to work as a general manager at Warrigal, and to contribute as a non-executive director of UOW Pulse, Chair the NSW Gerontology for the Australian Physiotherapy Association and as a National Director for Junior Chamber International.”
As well as celebrating 10 years this month, the Leadership Illawarra Program will complete its 5th cohort in December. A new two-year cohort begins in February 2023 and applications close on October 24, 2022.
Scholarships sponsored by RDA Illawarra, Sydney Business School, University of Wollongong and The Illawarra Connection are available. Apply here.
RDA, UOW & TIC pledge their commitment to Leadership Illawarra Program
On Tuesday 1st September, 3 and a half highly prized scholarships for the Leadership Illawarra Program will be officially opened for the next two year program.
Representatives Daniel Rowan, Leadership Illawarra Program Steering Committee Chairman, on behalf of Regional Development Australia - Illawarra (RDA), Colin Picker (Executive Dean of the Faculty of Business and Law) of Sydney Business School (SBS) of the University of Wollongong and Graham Lancaster, President of The Illawarra Connection (TIC) come together to commit to supporting the Leadership Illawarra Program for a further 3 years, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.
RDA Illawarra, UOW SBS and TIC are commited to creating the future of the Illawarra by fostering growth and development of participants of the Leadership Illawarra Program. The Leadership Illawarra Program has been running for 8 years, and the signing ceremony symbolises the strengthened partnership between the RDA Illawarra, UOW SBS and TIC and their long-term commitment to developing the Illawarra’s NextGen leaders.
The program works collaboratively to enhance regional leadership skills and experience in order to support the community and economic growth of the Illawarra. The program is continuing to thrive, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, with significant interest being shown for the 2 year program, starting in February 2021.
Tuesday 1st September 2020
Media Contact: Debra Murphy, RDA Illawarra: [email protected]
Representatives Daniel Rowan, Leadership Illawarra Program Steering Committee Chairman, on behalf of Regional Development Australia - Illawarra (RDA), Colin Picker (Executive Dean of the Faculty of Business and Law) of Sydney Business School (SBS) of the University of Wollongong and Graham Lancaster, President of The Illawarra Connection (TIC) come together to commit to supporting the Leadership Illawarra Program for a further 3 years, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.
RDA Illawarra, UOW SBS and TIC are commited to creating the future of the Illawarra by fostering growth and development of participants of the Leadership Illawarra Program. The Leadership Illawarra Program has been running for 8 years, and the signing ceremony symbolises the strengthened partnership between the RDA Illawarra, UOW SBS and TIC and their long-term commitment to developing the Illawarra’s NextGen leaders.
The program works collaboratively to enhance regional leadership skills and experience in order to support the community and economic growth of the Illawarra. The program is continuing to thrive, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, with significant interest being shown for the 2 year program, starting in February 2021.
Tuesday 1st September 2020
Media Contact: Debra Murphy, RDA Illawarra: [email protected]
Leadership Illawarra Program graduates celebrate at TIC gala dinner
Two years have passed and another group of future Illawarra leaders have emerged. On Tuesday night, the 2016-18 Leadership Illawarra Program (LIP) cohort celebrated the completion of this multi-faceted, experiential learning program at a black-tie dinner hosted by The Illawarra Connection (TIC) at the Novotel Wollongong. The program, developed by Sydney Business School, RDA Illawarra, and The Illawarra Connection, aims to produce inspired and well-connected visionaries who will lead our region into the future, and the graduating cohort is no exception.
Over the past 24 months the cohort have attended workshops, seminars and site visits; had fireside chats with outstanding regional leaders and picked the brains of politicians in Sydney and Canberra. The two-year program was designed to reflect challenges unique to the Illawarra region and aims to foster understanding across this broad range of backgrounds.
The cohort hail from a diverse range of industries, big business, small business, commercial, government and not-for-profit and the benefits of participating in the program are numerous. Often the benefits are not always limited to the professional realm, with many progressing their careers in leaps and bounds.
“I have been offered more opportunities at work, offered a position on a board, started mentoring other young professionals, and achieved a few personal goals outside of work too” said Sharon Wingate, graduate of the 2016-18 LIP cohort.
Eddy de Gabriele, Chair of RDA Illawarra would like to thank all the participants involved in the program and the contribution of time and energy from mentors, TIC, and UOW Sydney Business School.
Congratulations to the graduating cohort of 2016-18: Justin Bailey, Nia Briguglio, Jacinta Cali, Nathan Cattell, Matthew Demos, Shiva Gopalan, George Harb, Matthew Imber, Matt Lee, Arjah-Learh McGrath, Neil Menzies, Susannah Powter, Melissa Thompson, Jenny Towers and Sharon Wingate.
We look forward to following your leadership journeys into a bright and prosperous future for the Illawarra region, as we welcome in the next batch of fresh-faced future leaders to the Leadership Illawarra Program.
Over the past 24 months the cohort have attended workshops, seminars and site visits; had fireside chats with outstanding regional leaders and picked the brains of politicians in Sydney and Canberra. The two-year program was designed to reflect challenges unique to the Illawarra region and aims to foster understanding across this broad range of backgrounds.
The cohort hail from a diverse range of industries, big business, small business, commercial, government and not-for-profit and the benefits of participating in the program are numerous. Often the benefits are not always limited to the professional realm, with many progressing their careers in leaps and bounds.
“I have been offered more opportunities at work, offered a position on a board, started mentoring other young professionals, and achieved a few personal goals outside of work too” said Sharon Wingate, graduate of the 2016-18 LIP cohort.
Eddy de Gabriele, Chair of RDA Illawarra would like to thank all the participants involved in the program and the contribution of time and energy from mentors, TIC, and UOW Sydney Business School.
Congratulations to the graduating cohort of 2016-18: Justin Bailey, Nia Briguglio, Jacinta Cali, Nathan Cattell, Matthew Demos, Shiva Gopalan, George Harb, Matthew Imber, Matt Lee, Arjah-Learh McGrath, Neil Menzies, Susannah Powter, Melissa Thompson, Jenny Towers and Sharon Wingate.
We look forward to following your leadership journeys into a bright and prosperous future for the Illawarra region, as we welcome in the next batch of fresh-faced future leaders to the Leadership Illawarra Program.
Media Release
Date: 1 February 2018
Date: 1 February 2018
Illawarra Leaders come together to commemorate five years of the Leadership Illawarra Program
This Thursday, 1st February, will see Regional Development Australia - Illawarra (RDA), the Sydney Business School of the University of Wollongong (UoW SBS) and The Illawarra Connection (TIC) commemorate their long-standing initiative, the Leadership Illawarra Program, with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding.
The Leadership Illawarra Program has been running for five years, and the signing ceremony symbolises the strengthened partnership between the RDA Illawarra, UoW SBS and TIC and their long-term commitment to developing the Illawarra’s NextGen leaders.
The program works collaboratively to enhance regional leadership skills and experience in order to support the social, economic and cultural environment of the Illawarra. The program is continuing to grow with significant interest being shown for the 2018-2020 program, starting in October 2018.
Three scholarships will be provided for the Leadership Illawarra Program, which incorporates two years of ongoing professional development and networking opportunities.
RDA Illawarra, UoW SBS and TIC are committed to creating and sustaining the future of the Illawarra by fostering growth of the participants of the Leadership Illawarra Program. Participants work within a range of private, not-for-profit and government organisations in the region. Alumni include Michael McKeogh, Owner of Fibre Optics Design and Construct.
The Leadership Illawarra Program has been running for five years, and the signing ceremony symbolises the strengthened partnership between the RDA Illawarra, UoW SBS and TIC and their long-term commitment to developing the Illawarra’s NextGen leaders.
The program works collaboratively to enhance regional leadership skills and experience in order to support the social, economic and cultural environment of the Illawarra. The program is continuing to grow with significant interest being shown for the 2018-2020 program, starting in October 2018.
Three scholarships will be provided for the Leadership Illawarra Program, which incorporates two years of ongoing professional development and networking opportunities.
RDA Illawarra, UoW SBS and TIC are committed to creating and sustaining the future of the Illawarra by fostering growth of the participants of the Leadership Illawarra Program. Participants work within a range of private, not-for-profit and government organisations in the region. Alumni include Michael McKeogh, Owner of Fibre Optics Design and Construct.
Media Release
Date: 8 May 2017
Life-altering opportunities for Illawarra leaders New partnership announced
The Leadership Illawarra Program is pleased to announce it’s new partnership with Junior Chamber International (JCI) Illawarra to support leaders through the MentorMe program.
Debra Murphy, CEO of RDA Illawarra said “we’re excited to announce our new partnership with JCI Illawarra who will provide their successful MentorMe program to Leadership Illawarra Program participants. This partnership will strengthen the community leadership pool in the Illawarra as well as grow the mentor and mentee connections across the Illawarra Community Leadership Continuum”, (see diagram below).
“In my view, exceptional mentors can provide life-altering opportunities for our next generation of Illawarra leaders. I have no doubt that the pool of Illawarra leadership talent will grow exponentially through this new partnership,” said Debra.
The highly successful MentorMe program was developed by JCI Illawarra and is a structured one-on-one mentoring program which establishes links between younger and more experienced professionals in the Illawarrra. MentorMe provides guidance regarding mentees career journey and fosters opportunities for individual growth.
Alfred Chidembo, CEO and Founder of Aussie Books for Zim, and JCI Illawarra member, was a mentee through MentorMe and said “I got an awesome mentor who helped me grow professionally and challenged me to think differently as a leader.”
The partnership agreement will be signed at a meeting on 9th May. Alfred Chidembo and Debra Murphy will be available for interviews at that time.
Media welcome: 10.00am to 10.30am Tuesday 9th May 2017
RDA Illawarra, 87-89 Market Street, Wollongong
About: The Leadership Illawarra Program is a joint initiative of Regional Development Australia – Illawarra (RDA Illawarra) the University of Wollongong’s Sydney Business School and The Illawarra Connection. Further information is available at www.leadershipillawarraprogram.com.au
To see the story on WIN News please click here: https://www.facebook.com/WINNewsIllawarra/videos/1749914161691986/
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