3 minute read
NEW MEMBERS LEAD THE WAY
WRITTEN BY PAUL CUNNINGHAM, SENIOR ADVISOR, PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
The Young Member Leadership College was developed for young RFS members to strengthen their current and future leadership capability.
On the 10-13 August 2023, and 4-7 April 2024, a combined 55 RFS members from across NSW aged between 18 and 30 attended the Young Member Leadership College at the Australian Institute of Police Management in Manly.
This foundational leadership program was designed in consultation with the RFS State Young Members Group and in alignment with the RFS strategic direction to strengthen leadership capability at all levels.
These programs focused on ensuring critical leadership skills are embedded at an early stage in young members. Key points discussed were how to grow into future leadership roles both within and outside of the RFS, in conjunction with their chosen careers.
Young members participated in collaborative learning activities to put their newly acquired knowledge into practice by problem solving and brainstorming together.
From the outset, both groups both showed a real passion and were highly engaged. Topics early in the program focused on ‘leading self’ in areas such as growth mindset, self-awareness, wellbeing and self-reflection.
The second half of the program had more of a focus on ‘leading others’ with topics such as courageous conversations, coaching, influencing and career planning.
All these topics formed part of final team group presentations, which were exceptionally well delivered by the participants and reinforced their learnings throughout.
Senior RFS staff members attended both programs to speak about their leadership experiences and included Commissioner Rob Rogers, Deputy Commissioner Kyle Stewart, Deputy Commissioner Peter McKechnie and A/Director State Operations Kelly Quandt.
Other evening sessions included ‘fireside chats’ delivered by the RFSA and other senior RFS staff members and volunteers, and a presentation on generational leadership and how it applied to the participants.
The feedback from both programs was outstanding, with the facilitators saying it was some of the most positive they had received in their years of training.
The participants were highly enthusiastic and grateful for the opportunity to attend.
The members formed a close bond during their time together, and this has continued with the group being in regular contact since.
Due to its success, the RFS will be running more Young Member Leadership College programs in the future.
