Inspiring current and future leaders - 20 August 2007
Existing and future leaders in the south of WA have been inspired to new levels of excellence following the Southern Regions Community Leaders Forum 2007 this month.
More than 160 people attended the event, which also recognised outstanding leadership within the region, with several groups and individuals from Ongerup, Harvey/Australind and Northcliffe receiving awards.
One of the organisers of the event, Deanna Giumelli, said there had been a strong focus on youth and future leadership at the two-day forum.
“One of the goals of the forum was to encourage leadership in all its forms, and to give young people with leadership potential some practical guidelines, encouragement and support,” she said.
“There was a great response from young delegates, with most saying they found the forum energetic, fun and full of ideas. An overwhelming number of people said they want to attend the next one.”
South West Development Commission board member John Bird said the forum’s keynote speakers had been a hit with delegates.
“One of the keynote speakers was Fairbridge Village chief executive Mark Anderson, who spoke about leadership values and his beliefs on the subject,” Mr Bird said.
“He had great insight and was well received by delegates.
“We also had a great address from Kathryn Sydney Smith, who presently works for Alcoa and used to work in the not-for-profit sector. She spoke about the challenges of working in two different worlds.”
Mr Birch from the South West Development Commission said one of the encouraging aspects of the event, held at the Fairbridge Village near Pinjarra, had been the high number of people from the community also attended.
“The grass roots theme of this year’s forum attracted a lot of community leaders,” he said.
“An impressive 93 per cent of delegates said they would attend the 2008 forum. It has been our most successful forum so far.
“As a public servant, involvement with the organising committee and the forum itself has helped me to better understand what it is that makes our communities tick.”
He said the team who put the event on were strongly supported by the community members, with reinforcement from industry, State, Federal and local government.
Leadership awards
This year’s Southern Region Leadership Awards attracted 34 nominations.
Leadership in Partnerships
Winner: Southern Forest Arts Committee (Northcliffe) – extensive partnerships with Commonwealth, State and local governments and the community to create a successful project that positively impacted tourism, education and local business.
Runner up: Ongerup Community Development – Yongergnow
Leadership in a Project
Winner: Escape Youth Group (Harvey/Australind) – Creating activities for local young people. The project saw a 300 per cent increase in participation levels in activities promoting healthy recreation and interpersonal skills.
Runner up: Ongerup Community Development – Malleefowl Centre Construction
Inspirational Award (open)
Winner: Ross Strahan (Ongerup) – for his vision to build a malleefowl centre to promote awareness and preservation of an endangered species and promote the area as a tourist destination.
Runner up: Liz McAndrew
Inspirational Award (up to 35-years-old)
Winner: Kate O’Keefe – for outstanding leadership in events and fostering increased community participation.
Runner up: Fiona Sinclair
Media contact:
Scott Maclean
Senior Media and Marketing Officer