Meet the participants
The Weekly Advertiser today launches a new series profiling participants of the long-running Leadership Wimmera program.
Wimmera Development Association has overseen the annual program that develops leadership capacities in the context of leadership of self, others and the community of more than 600 graduates since 2002.
This fortnightly series seeks to provide insights into the program, and its participants, leadership opportunities and aspirations across the Wimmera and southern Mallee.
Leadership Wimmera’s latest ‘Change Makers’ program began with a retreat in February at full capacity with 20 participants.
Monthly program days focus on learning about leadership of self, others and within the community.
Participants had an opportunity to undertake social awareness training, including gender violence deep dive and bystander awareness, cultural awareness, cultural responsive practice training and mental health first-aid.
They will embark on a regional leadership learning tour in July and celebrate the program’s end with a graduation in November. The program is one of nine across Victoria. Graduates use life and leadership skills they learn in the program in their roles as business owners, managers, employees, volunteers, parents, friends and community members.
People can learn more about Leadership Wimmera by phoning project officer Vernetta Taylor on 0419 114 274 or emailing vtaylor@wda.org. au
SHANNON ARNOTT Country Fire Authority Brigade administrative support officer
Q: What led you to apply for the Change Makers program?
I was approached and encouraged by my line manager. Q: What has been the highlight of the Change Makers program so far?
I was very apprehensive about the retreat, however, the supportive and encouraging environment allowed me to step outside my comfort zone. I participated in and completed all the activities. In such a short time we got to know everyone in the group pretty well and even got to know ourselves a little better. Q: What has been your most valuable or impactful learning so far?
I have never really seen myself as a leader so taking part in a leadership program didn’t seem like ‘my thing’. It has reminded me that leadership isn’t necessarily about being the boss and leading from the front – it can be as simple as encouraging and supporting your team. Learning about myself and taking the time to understand how reframing my self-talk and language can influence change has been the most valuable and confronting lesson so far. I am practicing every day to view what I see as my failings as learnings and to continue to be grateful for everything I have even when those things come with stresses.
Q: What are your leadership aspirations within the community?
To continue to support my local community, sporting clubs and my children’s schools where possible. I work with volunteers and hope I can continue to build my knowledge to support all these people to the best of my ability. Q: What do you love about living in the Wimmera?
The friendly, country lifestyle. We have such diverse landscapes and there is always something beautiful to see. Through my work, I get to see communities come together and help each other out in times of need.