Gippsland Communiy Leadership Program 2013 Yearbook by VRCLP

PROGRAM

2013

GCLP is a program of the Committee for Gippsland, in partnership with the community of Gippsland.

Yearbook

With thanks our sponsors With thanks to our to sPonsors Gippsland’s GrowingGrowing Gippsland’s Leaders Leaders

Baw Baw Latrobe

Department of Department of

Human Services

Sustainability & Environment

Department of

Primary Industries

Regional Development Victoria

In-kind sponsors & sponsors hosting in-kind sPonsors & sPonsors hostinG events and ProGram daYs events and program days

Adult Community Education, Sale Friends of Traralgon Railway Reservoir -Conservation Fulham Correctional Centre and Reserve Global Leadership Foundation Fulham Correctional Centre GDF SUEZ - Loy Yang Global Leadership Foundation CityYang Council International PowerLatrobe Mitsui Loy B Latrobe Community Health Service

Thanks other suPPorters

Latrobe City Council SageMt Technology Baw Baw Alpine Resort Wellington Shire Council Wellington Shire Council Yinnar Football and Netball Club West Gippsland Arts Centre Wulgunggo Ngalu Learning Place YinnarWarren Football and Netball Club Kerrie Wulgunggo Ngalu Learning Place

also to

GCLP, Patrick Morgan GCLP’12 (hon)

Patrick Morgan Chris Kotur, Christine Kotur Consulting Dan Clancy Very special thanks to Gayle Hardie GCLP’13 (hon) WCLP’96, Malcolm and their team at the Global Leadership Foundation, Chris Kotur, Christine Kotur Consulting GCLP Advisory Committee and GCLP Fellows throughout Gippsland John Rogerson, Australian Drug Foundation For further information regarding opportunity, pleaseatcontact: Barry Rogers, Program Manager Gippsland Community Very special thanks to Gayle, sponsorship Malcolm and their team the Global Leadership Foundation Leadership Program (03) 5623 3219. Thank-you to Melissa Bastian for taking photos throughout the year. GCLP Advisory Committee and the GCLP Alumni throughout Gippsland Designed, printed and bound by Gippsland Printers

Gippsland Community Leadership Program For further information regarding sponsorship opportunities, please contact: Des Wynne- Program Manager, Gippsland www.gclp.asn.au Community Leadership Program (03) 5623 3219. Thank you to Jenny O’Sullivan for taking photos throughout the year.

Designed, Printed and bound by: Gippsland Trade Printers

ABOUT THE PROGRAM WHAT IS GCLP ALL ABOUT? Each year we canvass a broad range of themes (topics) via Program Days and Residential Sessions. This year the themes included: 3 Thriving Small Town Culture

The Gippsland Community Leadership Program is one of Australia’s longest running and most prestigious regional community leadership programs. Established in 1996, GCLP has an alumni of nearly 450 diverse, talented and passionate community leaders. Notable alumni include Victoria Police Commissioner Ken Lay GCLP’99 (Korumburra), former Chief Executive Officer of the Victorian Local Governance Association Maree McPherson GCLP’01 (Traralgon) Senator Bridget McKenzie GCLP’08 (Leongatha), as well as many more community, business and government leaders.

HOW DO PARTICIPANTS BENEFIT? GCLP presents opportunities to gain an enhanced understanding of Gippsland as a unique and diverse region. GCLP provides a forum for existing leaders to:

3 Education and youth

3 Share knowledge, skills and experiences

3 Regional Development, Transition and Sustainability

3 Promote future social and economic growth

3 Strategic Influencing and Social Justice

3 Establish new networks

The key criteria for selection into the program is diversity – of employment, location, experience and life. Putting a group of 25 diverse people together brings their skills, knowledge and lived experience to the fore and they contribute enormously to the way the program operates. HOW DOES GIPPSLAND BENEFIT? The benefits for Gippsland schools, community groups, not-for-profit organisations, local government and service clubs – the communities of Gippsland are huge.

Can you grow a person’s leadership skills?

The answer is a resounding “yes!” People are leaders – in different ways and at different times. GCLP puts the participant in contact with existing leaders – letting them show what they do, talk about leadership and about how they lead. Participants learn from each other and work with the program’s chosen core textbook – The Leadership Challenge by Kouzes and Posner. The Leadership Challenge explicitly teaches about the five practices of exemplary leadership and then the ten commitments of leadership:

3 GCLP Fellows (graduates/alumni) undertake a community project following graduation from the program. The program always has a community focus; working to make Gippsland a better place.

3 Model the way: finding your voice/ set an example for others

3 GCLP Fellows have access to a variety of PD and networking opportunities through their membership as GCLP Ambassadors (alumni)

3 Challenge the process search for opportunities/ experiment and take risks

GCLP Fellows (graduates) make a commitment to continue to work to make their community a better place: As a graduate of GCLP I commit to: • Answer the call: doing what I can to help fellow graduates – professionally and personally. • Do something for the good of the community: using the GCLP network for the common good. • Do something for the GCLP: initiating a tangible contribution to the GLCP each year. • Live and tell the GCLP story: being a proud and passionate ambassador externally and sharing information about my professional and community involvements with the GCLP internally

3 Inspire a shared vision envision the future/ enlist others in a common vision

3 Enable others to act foster collaboration/ strengthen others 3 Encourage the heart recognise contributions/ celebrate values and victories WHO FUNDS GCLP? The Gippsland Community Leadership Program relies on the commitment and sponsorship of valued corporate, local government and not-for-profit organisations from within the Gippsland community, funding from Regional Development Victoria and the Committee for Gippsland to continue to provide a highly professional, dynamic and sustainable program. 2013 AND BEYOND… As a program of the Committee for Gippsland, GCLP is supported by a strong administrative framework, sound governance and takes a fresh approach to engaging sponsors and GCLP Fellows through professional development and networking opportunities. Together, the Committee for Gippsland and GCLP are “Growing Gippsland’s Leaders”.

COMMITTEE FOR GIPPSLAND C4G CHAIRMAN

The Committee for Gippsland has now delivered two full years of the Gippsland Community Leadership Program, since taking on the auspicing role in 2011. We are immensely proud of that achievement, and see our task of helping to develop our own leaders for our region as something we do in partnership with the Gippsland community. GCLP is fast approaching 500 graduates, and that is a testament to a program that has been able to remain sustainable, relevant, and adaptable, since its inception in 1996. The Committee for Gippsland’s Board is focussed on ensuring that GCLP has a strong, secure and innovative future ahead. To this end, we’ve tasked our Chief Executive Mary Aldred with ensuring that GCLP has the resources and community input to achieve this. A big part of this endeavour has been the GCLP Advisory Committee, and seeing some of the changes we made last year come to fruition. For example, bringing on more sponsors and alumni of the program to the Advisory Committee, to ensure that they provide direct feedback to our CEO, which is reported to the C4G Board for consideration. The vision and mission of GCLP fits perfectly with the aspirations the Committee for Gippsland seeks to achieve for our region. As one of the longest running, and most prestigious regional community leadership programs in Australia, the Committee for Gippsland is passionate about Growing Gippsland’s Leaders. We are determined to continue doing this with the support of our local government and corporate sponsors, and are advocating for the Regional Development Victoria funding GCLP has received since 2012 to be made recurrent. GCLP’s success depends on the input of as many of our alumni, sponsors and supporters as possible. I would like to thank you for your personal input into GCLP’s success. Best wishes Harry Rijs Chairman

CEO – C4G

It has been a real privilege to watch two full program years of the Gippsland Community Leadership Program complete their journey under the auspice of the Committee for Gippsland. GCLP is integral to our region in being able to identify, develop and foster our own leaders who will help determine the future prosperity of Gippsland. Since 2011, the Committee for Gippsland has taken its responsibility to GCLP very seriously. Our entire organisation sees the delivery of GCLP as a partnership between the Committee for Gippsland and the Gippsland community. It is one of the best examples we have of all sectors in the region working together to achieve a common aim. In this context, it is important to recognise the role of GCLP’s corporate sponsors, our local government and Regional Development Victoria partners, who contribute to GCLP. I would like to especially single out the GCLP Advisory Committee, who are a passionate and highly skilled group of Gippslanders volunteering their experience and ideas to make GCLP an even better program. 2013 was a terrific year for GCLP, and the cohort of participants who have graduated are outstanding Gippslanders who will go on to achieve even more great things for our region. My thanks goes to the two facilitators for 2013, Gayle Hardie and Melissa Bastian. I would particularly like to acknowledge Gayle’s contribution to GCLP. Gayle commenced as Lead Facilitator in 2010, and I was extremely grateful that I was able to convince her to do one more year in 2013, after she had originally indicated she would depart at the end of 2012. We all wish her well. Managing GCLP as a program is a challenging and rewarding role. Many thanks to Des Wynne for his time as Program Manager through much of 2013, and to Barry Rogers who took on the role in October 2013. Barry brings experience, enthusiasm, and a bank of ideas that he is working hard to implement. GCLP has a bright and long-term future ahead of it, and it is wonderful to welcome the graduates of GCLP 2013 into our alumni group. They have much to achieve, and to contribute to our community. Best wishes Mary Aldred Chief Executive Officer

ADVISORY COMMITTEE FROM THE CHAIR

First of all, congratulations to all the 2013 GCLP participants. I know it was a challenging but rewarding year for you all and I look forward to hearing about the progress of your projects and your ongoing leadership accomplishments. What a fantastic year it was. Commencing with the the 2013 launch with keynote speaker, Damien Walsh from bankmecu (a major supporter of GCLP – we thank you dearly). Followed up by the inspirational Kate Carnell from beyondblue at the Leadership Address – what a story! I was unable to attend the Graduation with author and speech writer, Dr Don Watson, but I’m told it was a great event for all. Congratulations to Chris White GCLP’12, Anthony Heinemann GCLP’12 and Jesse Leeds GCLP’12 on their innovative GCLP Fellows Community Project which was to deliver three GCLP style program days to GCLP Fellows – free to paid members. Everyone who attended enjoyed the refresher of their GCLP year. Barry Rogers resigned from the Advisory Committee in September when he became Program Manager. I’d like to thank my fellow members of the Advisory Committee, including Jenny Ramage, Carol Blandford, David Cann, Martin Fuller, Jim Haylock, Kathleen Raymond and Tony Wolfe. Alex Aeschlimann GCLP’10

FROM THE PROGRAM MANAGER

2013 was a really fantastic year for GCLP. Although having farewelled Jenny O’Sullivan GCLP’98 we were delighted that Gayle Hardie agreed to continue for a final year. Gayle had originally agreed to support GLCP for a 1-2 years in 2009, beginning with the 2010 program. Melissa Bastian GCLP’11 joined Gayle as our Co-Facilitator for 2013. The program design was innovative and excellent and the adoption of The Leadership Challenge by Kouzes and Posner has brought a wonderful academic rigour to what we deliver each year – again many thanks to Gayle and others for their foresight and wisdom. Des Wynne was Program Manager until October and I commenced the role at that time. I am relatively new to the job but I have been involved with the GCLP for some time now. During the year the Advisory Committee farewelled some of our members – Jon McNaught who was the inaugural chair of the new C4G based Advisory Committee and Loretta Willaton GCLP’04 who was a C4G Board representative and welcomed Jenny Ramage GCLP’98 and Kathleen Raymond GCLP’11. My heartfelt thanks to Jon for his time and interest in GCLP. His support over the first few years has been considered and thoughtful – thank you Jon. Thanks also go to Gayle and Melissa, to Becky Green and Mary Aldred as well as the members of the GCLP Advisory Committee for their guidance and support. To the 2013 graduates – the newest GCLP Fellows – congratulations on your wonderful year of growth and learning: well done and welcome to the ranks of GCLP. Wear your GLCP lapel pin with pride.

Barry Rogers GCLP’ 96

ippsland, this progr am is an incredibly valuable and

wor thwhile addition to anybody aspir ing to lead.

- Craig Debnam GCLPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;13

D E V E L O P I N G G I P P S L A N D L E A D E R S H I P

Melbourne

Bairnsdale Mt Baw Baw

Warragul

Heyfield Sale

Morwell

Leongatha Wonthaggi

Nowa Nowa

Korumburra

Yinnar

Traralgon

Yarram

Venues for the 2013 program

2 0 1 3 P R O G R A M DAY S A N D AC T I V I T I E S LEAD FACILITATOR GAYLE HARDIE & CO-FACILITATOR - MELISSA BASTIAN

PROGRAM LAUNCH February 21 @ Wonthaggi Workingmens Club, Bass Coast Shire Keynote Speaker: Mr Damien Walsh. Managing Director, bankmecu Discussion: Working with the bankmecu Board setting group strategy, monitoring group performance. Leading and guiding bankmecu’s sustainable development model and presenting at the United Nations. OPENING RETREAT March 14 & 15 @ Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort, Baw Baw Shire Speakers: Stuart Ord, CEO Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort, Pauline Mullet and Grace Rose, Brayakoloong Cultural Centre, Historian Patrick Morgan GCLP’12 Hon DAY 1 - STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES – inspire a shared vision April 5 @ Café 3858 14 George St Heyfield – Latrobe City What makes Heyfield strong? Sustainable Communities, Sustainable Business and the importance of Vision. Discussion: Vision Communities and Leadership Speakers: Alan Broadbent, Community Bank, Jo Caminiti, Coordinator Sustainability Wellington Shire, Ian Morris, President Heyfield Victorian Farmers Federation, David Gover, Operations Manager, Gunns Timber Site Visit: Heyfield Wetlands DAY 2 - REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT TECHNOLOGY & TRANSITION – challenge the process April 15 @ Loy Yang B Power Station, Traralgon, Latrobe City Discussion: Issues and opportunities relating to Regional Development, Technology and Transition in Gippsland. Speakers: John Parker, Gippsland Trades and Labour Council, Scott Ferraro, ClimateWorks Australia, Steve Rieniets, GDF Suez Australia Energy, Richard Elkington, Regional Development Australia – Gippsland, Lloyd Clarke, GippsAero DAY 3 - THRIVING SMALL TOWN CULTURE - model the way May 10 @ Yinnar Football & Netball Club, Yinnar, Latrobe City Discussion: What is culture – the way we do things around here. Syndicates commence their day at Yinnar, Yarragon or Mirboo North, meet with local business and community members to discuss the characteristics of small town culture. All meet at Yinnar to review findings.

DAY 4 - EDUCATION & YOUTH - enable others to act May 31 @ Latrobe Community Health Services, Bairnsdale, East -Gippsland Shire Discussion: Education and Youth – my experience in enabling others to act Speakers: Debra Coker GCLP’11 – United Care Gippsland, Paul Martin – Assistant Principal, Bairnsdale Secondary College. Site Visit: Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Co-operative Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place DAY 5 - SOCIAL JUSTICE - engaging the heart Fri 21 June @ Fulham Correctional Centre, Fulham, Wellington Shire Discussion: Social Justice - Engaging the Heart – What do we mean? Offender Characteristics and aiding prisoners in their transition back to the community. Speakers: Phil Munnings – Manager of Offender Development, Sarah Schluter, Senior Psychologist and a panel of 3 prisoners, Fulham Correctional Centre Site Visit: CFA Training Facility, Fulham, and Fulham Correctional Centre. MID YEAR RETREAT - strengthening our capability July 18-19 @ Coal Creek Community Park and Museum , Korumburra, South Gippsland Shire Discussion: Personal Goals. Community Projects: Learning from Others: Making a Difference with Community Projects – Past GCLP Participants: Projects that Work: Planning projects for 2014. Speakers: Jodie Simpson GCLP’09, Karen Baum GCLP’12, Diana Mueller GCLP’12 Site Visit: Burra Foods – with thanks to Leigh Gourley GCLP’13 DAY 6 - GETTING OUT OF GIPPSLAND - challeging the process August 9 @ Parliament House Melbourne Discussion: Our view of Gippsland – What needs to be challenged, My view of Gippsland – Challenges and Opportunities. Speakers: Gippsland MPs: Hon Peter Hall MLC, Gary Blackwood MP, Russell Northe MP; Maree McPherson GCLP’01 – CEO Vic Local Governance Association; Richard Dent WCLP’04 – CEO Leadership Victoria; Chris Buckingham GCLP’99 – former CEO Destination Melbourne. Site Visit: Tour of State Parliament DAY 7 - COMMUNITY RESILIENCE - enable others to act August 30 @ Wulgunggo Ngalu Yarram, South Gippsland Shire Discussion: Building Resilience at Wulgunggo Ngalu Learning Place for both staff and guests, Building Capacity & Resilience – Fireside Chat – My experiences with leadership and what I have learnt about resilience. Speakers: Shaun Braybrook - Manager, Wulgunggo Ngalu Learning Place; Tess Walsh GCLP’11, Divisional Commander- Eastern Region Division, Victoria Police. President of Neighbourhood Watch Australia; Chris Kotur WCLP’94 – Leader in Residence, Leadership Victoria.

2 0 1 3 P R O G R A M DAY S A N D AC T I V I T I E S GCLP ANNUAL LEADERSHIP ADDRESS @ Latrobe Community Health Services, Morwell Keynote Speaker: Kate Carnell, CEO beyondblue Discussion: Kate’s five E’s of Good Leadership: Enthusiasm, Engagement, Empathy, Ethics, Entrepreneurism. Interesting how closely they mirrored the Five Principles. DAY 8 - EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE - Engaging the heart September 16 @ West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warragul, Baw Baw Shire Discussion: Fostering emotional health, My leadership journey and the importance of emotional health in regional Australia, Action Recovery through therapy. Speakers: Anna Langley GCLP’12 – Manager Health Planning, Gippsland Medicare Local; Beth Fogarty – Programs Manager, Gippsland Mental Illness Fellowship, David Alexander - Ambassadors of Hope Program, (MIND Australia), supported by Leigh Cawood, Coordinator of the Ambassadors of Hope program; Rob Robson – Manager: Arts, Culture and Events, Baw Baw Shire Council. Site Visit: Tour of West Gippsland Arts Centre DAY 9 - STRATEGIC INFLUENCING - Inspiring a shared vision October 11 @ Gippsland Regional Sporting Complex, Sale, Wellington Shire Discussion: Vision and the role of Strategic Influencing from a local and state perspective, Strategic issues and opportunities for Gippsland. Speakers: Luke van der Meulen – Victorian President, Mining division - Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union; Christine van Deventer – Wellington Shire Youth Councillor; Mary Aldred GCLP’10– CEO, Committee for Gippsland; Peter Whiteley – CEO GippsTAFE.

END OF YEAR RETREAT October 31 - November 1 @ Mingling Waters Resort, Nowa Nowa, East Gippsland Shire Discussion: Where have we come from? Leadership strengths, the Enneagram and your impact as a leader. Where are we now? Gippsland: Leadership in Action, Leadership Journey, Leadership Development, What do we take forward? Site Visit: Melon’s Cottage. With special thanks to Jodie Simpson GCLP’09 GRADUATION November 28 @ Kernot Hall, Morwell, Latrobe City Keynote Speaker: Dr Don Watson Speakers for the graduating group: Dawn Gilbert GCLP’13 and Shaun Riley GCLP’13 Discussion: : Don Watson on language “it is not an event or a presentation it is a speech. Why do we change the English language?” Dawn Gilbert and Shaun Riley – Valedictorians for the 2013 group – the best year ever.

The 2014 crew from left: Karen Bird, Ward Polglase, Vanessa Medling, Glenn Kleeven, Mandy Habener, Rebecca Wilson, Dan Poynton, Tim Ellis, Gerard Delaney, Nicole Jenkins, Travis McInnes, Paul Carter, Gayle Hardie (Lead Facilitator), Vanessa Embling (with birthday cake), Leigh Gourley, Bodye Darvill, Dawn Gilbert, Wayne Ward, Sue Geals, Craig Debnam, Christos Demetriou, Tanya Nolan, Leanne Wishart and Brooke Randall at Coal Creek Community Park and Museum.

MY GCLP YEAR For their Postcards that were distributed at the Graduation dinner each participant was asked:

“If you had to summarise GCLP in one word what would you say?” This is what they replied:

Empowering – Lynn Lancaster Unforgettable – Karen Bird Voracious – Ward Polglase Engaging – Rebecca Wilson Enlightening – Travis McInnes Extraordinary – Leigh Gourley Illuminating – Shaun Riley Self-awareness – Sue Geals Freeing – Bodye Darvill

Stimulating – Vanessa Ebsworth Great-experience – Paul Carter Best Roller Coaster – Glenn Kleeven Exciting – Leanne Wishart Challenging – Tanya Nolan Relationships – Craig Debnam Enjoyment – Tim Ellis Rewarding – Christos Demetriou Significant – Gerard Delaney

Powerful – Brooke Randall Deeply Personal – Nicole Jenkins Enlightening – Vanessa Medling Challenging – Wayne Ward Thought-provoking – Dan Poynton Transformational – Mandy Habener Invigorating – Dawn Gilbert

GCLP – wow, every session offers something different from the diversity of our group. A few words that come to mind are confronting, challenging, emotional, thought provoking, inspiring and engaging, but most of all enjoyable. I can honestly say, I have enjoyed every session in different ways, from the bonds and relationships I have built to understanding myself so much better, my capacity to engage the heart of the people I deal with every day, to the leadership stance and position I find myself taking on behalf of and with the community. I constantly find myself reflecting on the emotional intelligence scale in my head when challenged in certain situations, ‘be the leader you want to be’, stay above the line, listen and engage with people, one on one and truly understand their position. Gippsland, this program is an incredibly valuable and worthwhile addition to anybody aspiring to lead. Thank you.

The GCLP was initially for me an opportunity to further my leadership experience and enhance my knowledge of the greater Gippsland area. It has since proved to have become much more than that. On a professional level I have investigated areas that have given me much greater empathy for my colleagues but also a much better understanding of myself and where and how I fit in amongst them, I believe this has gone a long way to helping me to work more efficiently and successfully amongst my peers as well as developing into a better leader. I have also discovered parts of Gippsland that have inspired me and allowed me to better understand the culture and drivers within the area I live. On a personal level I have had the privilege of working amongst some incredible people and sharing a journey with them that that will keep us bonded for life. I wholly recommend any person of any age group or background to grasp the GCLP opportunity with both hands and fully embrace it.

I applied for GCLP hoping to strengthen my professional networks and gain a better understanding of the Gippsland region I grew up in. What I have gained has been so much richer – a better understanding of myself, where I am going in life and why. I now see the value of a leader who can inspire passion and vision in the people they work with and I am striving towards developing this attribute in myself. A truly life-changing experience.

Craig Debnam GCLP’13, General Manager – VIATEK, South East Victoria

Bodye Darvill GCLP’13, Coordinator- Rosedale Neighbourhood House

Shaun Riley GCLP’13, CFA Trainer

T H E G R A D UA N D S

Karen, (B. AL&D, M. Ed (Leadership) was appointed Executive Manager, Learning Innovation at Advance TAFE in September, 2013. Karen has extensive experience in education from an educational leadership, planning and trainer perspective. She has held a range of positions at Advance TAFE before taking up the Executive Manager role including Manager of the Business, Design and Service Industries team, Senior Educator as well as having experience in working with industry to provide training and consultancy to a broad range of industry clients. Karen manages a diverse portfolio of teaching and support teams and is committed to the design and development of quality training that meets customer expectations, as well as the professional skilling of all staff across the organisation. Karen is passionate about East Gippsland and all it has to offer and is involved in a diverse network of organisations and committees both within, and external to, Advance TAFE.

Paul is a born and bred Gippslander who completed his schooling in Leongatha. He is married with 2 children aged 4 and 1. Paul has nearly 20 years’ experience within Murray Goulburn, having worked his way up through a variety of roles from packer, laboratory technician, shift supervisor, and shift coordinator. Paul believes his future direction is building on his knowledge of the dairy industry; about developing his leadership skills and moving forward with his current position after recent restructures at work. Paul’s community involvement is centred around the South Gippsland Umpires Association, where he is a committee member and responsible for mentoring field umpires in South Gippsland. Paul’s community project is likely to be the further development a mentoring program for country kids to ensure umpiring becomes a sustainable sporting group within regional communities.

KAREN BIRD

PAUL CARTER

T H E G R A D UA N D S

Bodye is Gippsland born and bred. She grew up just outside the small town of Welshpool and went to school at Yarram SC. After Year 12 she moved to Melbourne for work and University, completing a Bachelor of Communication, majoring in Politics, and a Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing. Bodye worked in educational publishing for several years, assisting to develop the new custom publishing arm of Macmillan Education Australia before deciding that Community Development was where her true passion was. She moved to far north Queensland for six months to volunteer at a school mainly for Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander students, and found this incredibly interesting and rewarding. Family and friends called her back to Gippsland. She currently lives in Traralgon with her long-term partner and manages the Rosedale Neighbourhood House. She organises everything from funding and reporting, to social, education and recreational classes, to chatting to people about what’s happening in their lives. She has enjoyed becoming a part of this small community and providing resources and support for them to draw on. Bodye is currently studying her Masters in International and Community Development, and is attempting to learn Spanish. She loves to travel, be it overseas adventures or 4x4 camping trips into the High Country. She has been blown away by completing GCLP and the changes it has made in her personal and professional life. Not only has it broadened her knowledge of what’s happening and available in Gippsland and expanded her networks considerably, it’s changed her understanding of herself and how she operates. She now feels a much stronger self-awareness of her actions as a person and as a leader. GCLP has been another step on a long and rewarding journey. .

Craig Debnam lives and works in Gippsland and is currently employed by Viatek Pty Ltd as the General Manager of the South East Victorian branch of this ICT company. Having worked for the company since its inception for 23 years, Craig has been involved in many roles over his journey and he has enjoyed the challenge of diversifying the company’s product and services offerings to include all facets of technology required to operate a business in today’s connected environment, from IT, business communications and print to software and helpdesk support, the company has an incredibly loyal customer base across Gippsland and beyond, who understand how refreshing it is to deal with a company “That does what they say they will”. Craig is a Gippslander through and through and has been actively involved in many local football and netball clubs and associations. He is a keen supporter and believer in many local organisations and an inaugural committee member of the ‘Baw Baw Big Blokes Inc’ which conducted the first ever ‘Big blokes lunch’ at Lardner Park in 2012, raising approximately $165,000 for Prostate Cancer awareness in the region. Craig’s community project this year has revolved around this initiative and he is pleased to report the second event has been held in October this year and was once again a huge success raising approximately $175,000 . Craig is also involved in the ‘Beacon Foundation’ offering mentor and leadership access to young locals as they set out to identify career opportunities for their future. Gayle and Melissa have opened my eyes to people, situations and most importantly to Gippsland. This program is an incredibly valuable and worthwhile addition to anybody aspiring to lead. Thank you. CRAIG DEBNAM

BODYE DARVILL

T H E G R A D UA N D S

Gerard lives and works in South Gippsland and is currently employed by Parks Victoria as the Ranger in Charge of South Gippsland Marine and Coastal Parks. His role involves the environmental, visitor, cultural and heritage management of the parks in his area. Parks Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mantra, Healthy Parks Healthy People, is supported by Gerard, who actively works with community groups to improve involvement and engagement in park management. Prior to moving to Gippsland from Geelong in 2009, he spent 9 years working as a state-wide Recreation Planner in Parks Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s corporate office and in a range of metropolitan parks, most predominantly Albert Park. Gerard completed a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation at RMIT in 1996. He hopes that having undertaken the GCLP he will have a chance to expand on his knowledge of South Gippsland, expand his understanding of the diversity that is Gippsland and to continue to meet some great people.

Chris Demetriou was born and spent his childhood in Moe. He currently lives in Newborough and has commenced studying Electrical Engineering at Swinburne University whilst still casually working for Gippsland Printers. He has worked with the business for six years, starting out as an estimator when it was formerly known as LV Printers and progressing to Operations Manager. He has enjoyed working as the Operations Manager, as it allowed him to liaise with local organisations and councils, schools and companies. Prior to working at Gippsland Printers Chris lived in Melbourne and worked for several large printing companies including Australian Consolidated Press and Whirlwind Print. He also spent some time living in Europe prior to moving back to the country in 2008. This move has been a very positive experience. Chris greatly enjoys the relaxed Gippsland lifestyle, and through his participation in the GCLP, he has built his confidence and feels more enabled to contribute back to the local community in a positive way.

GERARD DELANEY CHRIS DEMETRIOU

T H E G R A D UA N D S

Vanessa Ebsworth recently undertook a ‘Tree Change’ leaving the city of Melbourne where she worked in the Child Protection and Youth Justice division within DHS. She left to take up a position as Manager Organisation Development with Wellington Shire Council in Sale. Vanessa lives in Newlands Arm and travels to work each day in Sale thankful that she doesn’t have to navigate the Westgate Bridge on a daily basis. Vanessa has a degree in Criminal Justice and has had the privilege of working within the Victorian criminal arena for over 20 years. Commencing in Pentridge in 1989 she worked with maximum security male offenders for approximately 6 years, before transferring to the Juvenile Justice Centre working with young male offenders. Vanessa was then given early parole and commenced in the position of Training Manager for Youth Justice this involved training newly inducted Youth Justice and Child Protection practitioners imparting her broad knowledge of both the adult and youth criminal justice systems. Vanessa was also involved in providing professional academic lectures for RMIT and Navitas Universities (City Campuses) in case management and adolescent development. Vanessa completed the GCLP in 2013 and commences her Masters in Workplace Relations Law at Monash University in 2014.

Tim Ellis lives in Bairnsdale with his wife and three young children and is currently employed by East Gippsland Shire Council as Manager Major Projects and Economic Development. His role includes the delivery of state government regional funding programs. Tim is currently involved with supporting the Bairnsdale Kindergarten and the East Gippsland United Football Club (yes, round ball). Prior to moving to Gippsland Tim spent three years managing an eCommerce business in Melbourne and 12 years working in Washington, DC in the telecommunications industry. Tim is originally from Wimbledon in the UK and is looking forward to expanding his networks across Gippsland and experiencing what the leadership program offers. TIM ELLIS

VANESSA EBSWORTH

T H E G R A D UA N D S

Sue lives within the Baw Baw Shire and works for Community College Gippsland (CCG) across Gippsland as Director of Community Services Education. This role involves providing academic and operational leadership and management of all community services program delivery within Community College Gippsland across its seven campuses. Prior to working in the Vocational Education Training (VET) sector Sue owned and managed early childhood education facilities within the City of Casey. Sue’s working experiences in addition to VET sector and early childhood education include real estate and two years in marketing whilst living in the UK. Sue’s leisure activities include gardening and volunteer roles within her two teenage children’s sporting and co-curricular activities both within and outside their school. The experience of participating in the GCLP in 2013 has brought new knowledge, skills, contacts and self-awareness that Sue believes will all contribute to her leadership capabilities. SUE GEALS

Dawn worked for 2.5 years as a CEO for UnitingCare Remote family Services which provided Kindergarten and Child Care service in remote East Gippsland Prior to moving to Gippsland in 2007. Dawn as a CEO set up the Wyndham Community Foundation and was as a Business Manager for UnitingCare Moreland Hall for 5 years. Dawn has a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Masters of Business Administration. DAWN GILBERT

T H E G R A D UA N D S

Leigh lives in Warragul and is currently employed by Burra Foods in Korumburra as a Maintenance Supervisor. His role involves Procurement, Maintenance Management Systems, Continuous Improvement Programs, Safety and Plant Maintenance. Leigh is currently the Vice President of the Gippsland Gladiators Gridiron club as well as a player. Currently Leigh is undergoing the introduction of a Gippsland juniors and ladies gridiron team into the Gridiron Victoria League. For him, the GCLP showed an insight into the local community, how to help support further contributions to the community and he met some terrific people along the way. LEIGH GOURLEY

Mandy is a Senior Engineer (and aspiring Yoga Teacher), working at AECOM Australia. Mandy grew up in the western suburbs of Melbourne and attended university at Deakin in Geelong. After graduating from Deakin with degrees in Environmental Engineering and Environmental and Coastal Management she joined global engineering consultantancy AECOM. Seeking out a challenge, during 2011 Mandy transferred from the AECOM Melbourne office to the regional Bairnsdale office, this was a great opportunity to diversify her skills and experience. Mandy’s current role involves strategic planning, project management, design and contract administration for a wide range of infrastructure projects, predominantly in the water sector. Outside of work Mandy has a passion for fitness, travel and the outdoors. She can be found on the water paddling, riding or running through the forest, travelling the world, practicing yoga and often in cafés with friends enjoying a catch up over coffee. Mandy has learnt more on the GCLP than she ever could’ve anticipated. She’s not only gained valuable insight on her own personal leadership style and those adopted by others, she’s also been inspired by her fellow GCLP alumni and countless other leaders from across the region. She’s enjoyed having her perspectives challenged and the opportunity to step outside her comfort zone into territory not usually ventured. Mandy will graduate from GCLP with the confidence to lead using her own personal style; she plans to put this to good use in her local community. MANDY HABENER

T H E G R A D UA N D S

Nicole has lived in Sale since January 2010 when she followed her husband to the region as part of RAAF Defence posting. With a background of over 12 ½ years in Human Resources (HR), Nicole was very lucky to be able to continue her HR career with the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI), moving from the Corporate head office in Melbourne to the regional office in Maffra. Nicole has a Professional Diploma in Human Resource Practice, an Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management, is a trained facilitator and certified MBTI Practitioner. Whilst working for the State Government, Nicole has undertaken a variety of HR generalist and specialist roles including; executive remuneration and contract management, learning and development, program facilitation and organisational development and change projects. After a 3 year stint managing an internal state-wide ‘place-based’ leadership project within the Department, she has now returned to her HR roots and is responsible for a cultural transformation project to help define and embed a new culture for the department. Nicole has travelled extensively overseas and has always had a passion for travel, people, hospitality and service delivery. A few highlights include a six month exchange to Denmark when she was 16, living and working in London, travelling throughout Russia and Scandinavia, a Contiki trip to Turkey, being part of the opening crew of one of Melbourne’s newest luxury hotels and working at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne where she saw the Queen. Having met Wes in 2006 and married in 2010, she loves the active lifestyle that comes with a motorbike obsessed husband, two 18 ½ year old stepdaughters and dogs Max and Thomas. She is currently the Secretary and Newsletter Editor for the East Gippsland Dog Obedience Club where she takes Thomas to agility training every Sunday. Through her participation in the GCLP, Nicole hopes to extend her involvement in the dog club as part of her Community Leadership Project as well as boosting her confidence, leadership aspirations and networks across the region. NICOLE JENKINS

Glenn was born Warragul and has spent most of his life within Gippsland. He currently lives and works in Leongatha and is employed with the National Australia Bank as a Business Banking Manager. Glenn’s role involves relationship management of small to medium enterprise business clients within South Gippsland. On a day to day basis this involves assisting with his customers personal and business requirements such as funding for property, equipment and working capital needs. Glenn has been employed with NAB since 2000. During this time he has worked throughout Gippsland before moving interstate for a couple of years to Northern NSW, then returning to Leongatha in 2010. Glenn and his partner Helen have 2 children – Elise who is 11 and Hannah who is 7. He is currently involved with the Leongatha Tennis Club as Vice President, volunteers with Meals on Wheels and is also involved with the BEACON Foundation in its program within secondary schools encouraging Year 10 students make better education and career path decisions. GLENN KLEEVEN

“

I highly recommend any person of any age group or background to grasp the GCLP opportunity with both hands and fully embrace it.

”

- Shaun Riley GCLP’13

T H E G R A D UA N D S

Lynn has a strong connection and keen interest in Gippsland, spending most of her life living, working and raising her family in Latrobe Valley. Leaving the region briefly, she lived in the Solomon Islands and studied in Melbourne. Lynn has been employed in various sectors such as Pre- School Assistant, Shop Assistant and Manager in Retail, Receptionist and most recently Recreation Development Worker. As a Recreation Development Worker her role was to develop and expand recreation opportunities for people who were blind or had low vision. She promoted inclusion by advocating on their behalf, developing and fostering partnerships with the broader community, recreation groups and sporting clubs. To enhance this role in 2011 Lynn gained a Diploma of Community Development at RMIT in Melbourne. In 2009 she graduated from the Melbourne based Leadership Plus Program which fosters a society that values diversity in leadership and promotes people with disabilities as leaders. Lynn’s commitment to community, and passion for access and equity for all people is evident in her volunteer work. In 2012 she was Convenor of Gippsland Leaders Network which is made up of graduates of the Leadership Plus Program who live in Gippsland. Lynn is a member of Latrobe City’s Disability Reference Committee, Gippsland Local Linking Action Network, Latrobe Advocacy Group and on the Board of Management of Gippsland Disability Advocacy Inc. Also, a volunteer Peer Worker for Vision Australia delivering educational presentations on living with blindness to primary, secondary students and teachers, as well as, medical students in Gippsland. Lynn believes the Gippsland Community Leadership Program has broadened her knowledge of Gippsland, built networks and further developed her leadership skills. Gaining this knowledge has enable Lynn to become a more effective leader within her community creating a beneficial contribution to Gippsland.

Travis is a System Engineer at AGL Loy Yang Pty Ltd. Travis was born in Moe, Victoria and grew up on the tropical island of Bougainville. In 1989 the civil war compelled the family to leave Bougainville Island. Travis now lives in Traralgon South with his wife Jo and their Golden Retriever Remi. Trav and Jo are expecting the arrival of their first child in March 2014. Travis obtained a double degree in Engineering and Business at Monash University, Churchill. He was selected to receive a bursary scholarship with Loy Yang Power, and commenced work as an engineer in the Mine Engineering Group. Travis has been primarily utilised as a maintenance engineer and asset manager in both the power station and mine, caring for various plant systems over the last ten years. These include a dredger and conveyor system, boiler pressure parts, turbine plant. In 2008 Travis took a secondment opportunity with GHD, an engineering consultancy firm, and spent 14 months in Hobart managing a project at the Nyrstar zinc refinery. Travis’ current role is system engineer for the electrostatic dust precipitators and station compressed air systems at Loy Yang A power station. Away from work Travis enjoys outdoor sports including snowboarding, Nordic biathlon, mountain bike riding, racing his MX-5 and running in the magnificent Victorian bush. Travis has really enjoyed GCLP and is very grateful for the new perspective that he has gained of Gippsland and the amazing people within the region. TRAVIS MCINNES

LYNN LANCASTER

T H E G R A D UA N D S

Tanya lives in South Gippsland and works across the Gippsland region as Client Services Manager for Quantum Support Services. Tanya is new to the region having taken up her current role in March 2012 and worked for the previous eighteen years at the Office of the Public Advocate in Melbourne. Tanya is based in Morwell and has responsibility for the management and delivery of some 27 programs across the areas of Homelessness, Family Violence, Foster Care and a range of youth services with Quantum. Tanya also sits on a number of regional committees/groups including the Gippsland Integrated Family Violence Steering Committee, Children Youth and Families Executive and, Child First and Integrated Family Services Executive. Tanya is a keen singer and musician who plays at various gigs when time permits and is a former member of Havana Palava Street Band and the Women’s Circus. Tanya found her year in the GCLP program to be a fabulous experience and it has been invaluable in terms of the networks and local knowledge that Tanya has gained. Tanya has now joined the new Gippsland chapter of Soroptimists International, a professional women’s organisation working to improve the education and lives of women and girls. Tanya is looking forward to contributing to her local community through her involvement in this group. TANYA NOLAN

Vanessa is in employed by the Australian Government Department of Human Services. Vanessa has lived in Paynesville for thirteen years and has worked for DHS in Bairnsdale since moving there from Melbourne. Having held numerous positions in leadership with DHS, Vanessa currently manages the Bairnsdale Centrelink and Medicare sites. As Service Centre Manager, she is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of the business, as well as holding a wider responsibility for building effective working relationships with local community organisations (all tiers of government and non government). In September 2011 Vanessa initiated a number of like minded local organisations to come together and form what is now known as the Youth Focus Forum East Gippsland. This group collaborates to deliver improved social service outcomes for the vulnerable youth in East Gippsland. For nine months during the last year, Vanessa worked as the zone Project Manager. Her responsibility included oversight of 25 projects, as well as holding the communication and change portfolios for her region. Her role involved working with other managers and teams across a wide geographical area to elevate awareness of a local strategic vision that supports a collective focus on unity and direction across all DHS programs (Centrelink, Medicare & Child Support). As part of her commitment to community, Vanessa has spent the last two years as a parent representative on the Paynesville Primary School Council, and recently arranged a cyber information night for parents of senior school students. Keen to continue to work in her local community, Vanessa is partnering with three other GCLP graduates from 2013 to initiate a community project entitled “Singing for the Brain”. This project endeavours to bring joy into the life of dementia patients at a local aged care facility through music. VANESSA MEDLING

T H E G R A D UA N D S

Ward moved to the East Gippsland area at the end of 2005 and settled in beautiful Paynesville surrounded by the lovely Gippsland lakes. Ward is currently employed by Patties Foods in Bairnsdale as the ‘Automation Transition Supervisor’ in the biggest and most exciting expansion project the company has seen in a decade. Ward started out as a factory hand but has shown initiative and dedication to rise through the ranks over the last seven years. Ward’s role includes communicating to a wide range of departments within the company as well as leading a select team of 24 operators to ensure a smooth transition from the commissioning phase. Prior to moving to Gippsland, Ward spent 20 years in Canberra and has a range of experiences in the factory environment including head of sales at an aluminium distribution company. Ward is looking forward to being involved in the GLCP and to gain extra knowledge from people with different experiences in different industries. WARD POLGASE

Daniel lives in Inverloch and is employed by GippSport. Working across the whole Gippsland region he manages the Access for All Abilities program – a State Government funded program that supports & develops inclusive sport & recreation opportunities for people with disability. This role involves working with State Sporting Associations, regional sports groups and local sports clubs designing and planning new programs whilst advising on how best to modify, where suitable, the sport to support inclusion into mainstream sports programs. Daniel sits on the Disability Advisory Committee for Bass Coast, South Gippsland, Latrobe City & Baw Baw Shire Council’s and through these positions advocates for improved physical access to Shire owned sports facilities. In 2012 Daniel was chair of the Regional Sports Network Victoria Access for All Abilities Committee, and was part of a project group convened by Disability Sport & Recreation Victoria working on a state wide database of accessible sporting opportunities. Through the GCLP Daniel hopes to gain an insight into other participant’s visions for Gippsland’s future, learn about the future requirements of Gippsland’s broad range of industry sectors and develop a broader knowledge of the Gippsland community and its interests. DANIEL POYNTON

“

I now see the value of a leader who can inspire passion and vision in the people they work with and I am striving towards developing this attribute in myself

”

- Bodye Darvill GCLP’13

T H E G R A D UA N D S

Brooke was born and raised in the Latrobe Valley and on completion of her Bachelor of Nursing at Churchillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Monash University in 2005, moved to Melbourne to begin her nursing career at Austin Health. She moved to London in 2008 where she commenced work in a district/community nursing team where her passion for this area of nursing began. After almost three years of working and travelling, Brooke returned to the Latrobe Valley and started work at Latrobe Community Health Service, where she is currently employed, firstly as an Ambulatory Care Nurse which includes district nursing and palliative care; visiting members of the community in their homes for nursing care. In 2012 she became the Assistant Manager of Ambulatory Care and this role involved managing a team of nurses to provide in-home or clinic visits to clients across the Latrobe Valley, ensuring timely and a high standard of client centred care, liaising with multiple service providers, while working within nursing standards and frameworks. During the GCLP year Brooke was successful in her application for the Manager of Clinic Services position within LCHS and is now managing several general practices and an after hours medical service. Brooke has begun reconnecting with the community since returning to the area and is already a keen member of multiple sporting groups. Brooke has found the GCLP year very valuable in her professional development and feels her confidence and leadership skills have improved while making some great friends along the way. BROOKE RANDALL

Shaun lives in Traralgon with his wife and 2 teenage children. He currently works for the Country Fire Authority, as an instructor, covering the whole of the Gippsland region. His current role sees him developing, presenting and assessing recognised training packages as well as supporting volunteer brigades in skills maintenance and in developing and putting into practise brigade training programmes. Prior to moving to Gippsland Shaun worked for the CFA as a fire safety officer in the Shepparton area dealing with statutory compliance and planning issues relating for fire service. Shaun had started his working life in England, with the London Fire Brigade, working his way up the promotional ladder to Senior Station Officer on an inner city multi appliance station in charge of a watch of 13 personnel. Shaun has always had a passion for leadership, enjoying many years of coaching and mentoring in sport, mainly football (the real one with the round ball!). Shaun participated in the GCLP to continue to develop his leadership skills, meet like-minded people and share as much of his experience as possible. SHAUN RILEY

T H E G R A D UA N D S

Wayne lives in Newborough and is employed by Gippsland Water, at the head office in Traralgon for the past 7 years. His current role as Senior Engineer Project Delivery involves assisting the Manager Asset Delivery to lead and direct Project Engineers in the Asset Delivery Group - in the planning, design, installation, commissioning, operation, construction and supervision of installations and systems associated with major infrastructure capital projects. Wayne is married and enjoys spending time with his family, which includes a 3 year old daughter, an 11 year old step son, and a 13 year old step daughter. He also plays and coaches Inline Hockey and Taekwondo. Wayne graduated from Monash University (Churchill) in 2003 with a combined Bachelor of Civil Engineering and Bachelor of Management. He believes the GCLP will allow him greater networking opportunities with various people from across the region, to learn from other leaders and gain better skills, techniques and confidence to influence and motivate others. Wayne hopes to continue to better understand the issues and challenges that affect Gippsland and how he may be able to contribute to the growth and development of the greater Gippsland Community. WAYNE WARD

Rebecca, born in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne is the third of four children and grew up in a supportive and happy home environment. She was always encouraged to learn, experience life, participate and contribute. She believes this has played a crucial role in the choices that she has made, and the path chosen for her career. After studying a Bachelor of Education in Physical Education, she struggled to find her niche but eventually ended up with the YMCA where she has remained with a variety of roles until now â&#x20AC;&#x201C; other than a short stint OS and with another company in the past 16 years. A sea change and fantastic opportunity brought Bec to Bass Coast in 2004 where she started with the Phillip Island YMCA. Moving around within the organisation over the next few years she gradually worked towards her current role as Area Manager for the Bass Coast YMCA in June 2011. Rebeccaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s management responsibilities include overseeing the operational management of the YMCA Phillip Island Leisure Centre and responsibility for the YMCA Wonthaggi Aquatic & Leisure Centre, Bass Coast Shire Skate Parks and Community Development, Youth Mentoring programs and FReeZA programs. The YMCA also operates YMCA Open Doors which is the charity arm of the YMCA working to raise funds to assist local families who are experiencing hardship to access health and fitness services with the YMCA. Bec feels connected with the philosophies, values and vision of the YMCA and believes the work YMCA does is extremely valuable to the community. Personally Bec is involved with the Leongatha Golf Club, Wonthaggi Basketball Association and plays Social Bowls at the Inverloch Bowls Club, having moved to Inverloch in 2004. She has made this community her home and loves the opportunities for a great lifestyle that it offers. REBECCA WILSON

T H E G R A D UA N D S

Leanne is the RuralAccess Project Coordinator at Wellington Shire Council in Sale. Leanne was born and raised in Maffra and grew up with a healthy respect for the natural environment. Leanne’s parents ran a retail business in Maffra for 45 years and were significantly involved in their community. Leanne attended Maffra Primary and Secondary Schools, worked in the family business as a qualified watch and clockmaker then changed careers and went onto study Human Movement Science at RMIT University and has a Post Graduate in Education (Health). Leanne has worked in the Community Services sector for some years and is now working in the RuralAccess role at Wellington Shire. RuralAccess is a community development/community building role focussing on creating partnerships and developing projects that build inclusive communities for all people especially people with disabilities, families and carers. In 2012 – 2013 Leanne acted in the Social Policy and Planning role at Wellington Shire developing the Access and Inclusion Plan 2012 - 2015 and commencing work towards the Positive Aging Plan. Leanne currently has two significant community volunteer positions: Board/Council member of the Gippsland Women’s Health Service since 2006 and Sale to Sea Disability Kayak Challenge 2013 Planning Committee since 2011. Away from work Leanne enjoys spending time with her partner, dog and extended family, running, kayaking, dining out and travelling. GCLP has provided Leanne with a greater understanding of Gippsland’s business and services sectors, the wealth and diversity of leadership across the region and has provided the platform to increase and develop her leadership skills. Leanne will actively seek further opportunities to be engaged with communities and to further develop professionally and in leadership roles. LEANNE WISHART

Co-facilitator Melissa Bastian GCLP’11 is dressed and ready to fight fires at the CFA training facilities at Fulham 20

GCLP SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES

GARDINER FOUNDATION The Geoffrey Gardiner Dairy Foundation is a proactive investor in projects that have significant impact for the Victorian dairy industry and its communities. Since 2000 the Gardiner Foundation has invested in excess of $35m in cash contributions to over 500 projects. With partner co-funding this represents $150m in new investment across the dairy value chain. At any one time the Foundation typically has a portfolio of 90 active projects which, with partner investments, represents around $25 million worth of ongoing investment in innovation. The Foundation has a proud track record of pioneering new initiatives in community and people development. With the Australian workforce shrinking for the first time in 60 years, and a sharp decline in the number of people entering agricultural employment, many dairy businesses are experiencing difficulty in attracting and retaining staff. An imperative for the dairy industry is to ensure it competes with other sectors to “attract, retain and develop” talented people, and build leadership capacity. Around two-thirds of the people working in the dairy industry live in and contribute to small rural communities of less than 5,000 people. The strength, vibrancy and leadership capacity of the communities that support the dairy industry and provide its workforce, is a defining issue for the industry. Gardiner Foundation and Gippsland Community Leadership Program have enjoyed a strong partnership that continues to develop the leadership capability of many inspiring individuals engaged in Gippsland’s dairy industry and its small communities.

bankmecu ABORIGINAL SCHOLARSHIPS GCLP was delighted to have the opportunity to offer a scholarship, sponsored by bankmecu, for an aboriginal Gippslander to participate in GCLP. The bankmecu Aboriginal Scholarship is a far sighted commitment by bankmecu to GCLP and for the wider Gippsland region. GCLP is involved with Gippsland’s aboriginal communities, which include specific sessions throughout the year where aboriginal elders present to the group and also visits to local aboriginal heritage centres. The bankmecu scholarship is the next step in ensuring GCLP continues to respect, understand and learn from Gippsland’s aboriginal history and culture. This will enable talented Gippsland Aboriginal leaders to participate in GCLP when they may not have otherwise been able to. COMMITTEE FOR GIPPSLAND ~ BARRY ROGERS BURSARY The Barry Rogers Bursary is a funded place in the Gippsland Community Leadership Program, awarded each year to a Gippslander who demonstrates outstanding qualities of leadership potential in Gippsland’s education or community sectors. The emphasis on the education and community sectors is reflective of Barry’s lifelong commitment to these two special Gippsland sectors. The recipient is sponsored by the Committee for Gippsland. The Bursary recognises Barry’s pivotal role in the initiation and development of the Gippsland Community Leadership Program for the lifetime of its duration, as an outstanding community contribution. As a past participant and program innovator, Barry’s energy and passion for the GCLP increased the awareness of the program and its value to the community, making it a highly recognised and prestigious vehicle for Gippslanders to exercise and strengthen their leadership skills, expand their networks, and seek personal growth through. Barry encourages Gippslanders to raise their own self-awareness and tolerance of others, which is why we honour him for his outstanding contribution towards the Gippsland Community Leadership Program.

2 0 1 3 G C L P F E L L OW S ’ A N N UA L LEADERSHIP ADDRESS

After the Leadership Address, from Left, Peter Quigley GCLP’98, CEO Gippsland Medicare Local, Loretta Willaton GCLP’04, Area General Manager, Telstra Countrywide, Craig Debnam GCLP’13, Manager ViaTek South East, Kate Carnell, CEO beyondblue, Mary Aldred GCLP’10, CEO C4G, Barry Rogers GCLP’96 Program Manager, Dan Weeks, CEO West Gippsland Healthcare Group, Ben Leigh CEO LCHS and Alex Aeschlimann GCLP’10, GCLP Advisory Committee Chair/Principal Business Insight Group.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: KATE CARNELL AO, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF BEYONDBLUE Hosts, Latrobe Community Health Service in Morwell provided a terrific venue for guests to hear from and be inspired by Ms Carnell. Kate spoke about her leadership path - through roles such as Chief Minister of the ACT Legislative Assembly, a member of the ACT Legislative Assembly, as CEO of Australian Food and Grocery Council and as a small business proprietor – Kate is a Chemist by training and ran her own pharmacies. Kate Carnell’s message was simple and direct - she referred to the Five ‘E’s of good leadership • Enthusiasm • Engagement • Empathy • Ethics • Entrepreneurialism. Guests clearly recognised their correlation with the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership according to Kouzes and Posner in the text used by GCLP – The Leadership Challenge. Model the Way: Kate spoke about the importance of Enthusiasm. “As a leader your moods and attitudes affect your staff. The way you lead staff affects the way staff respond” Kate explained. “Enthusiasm, Optimism and a positive attitude is most important if you want to get the best out of your staff ” she said Inspire a Shared Vision: Kate explained her concept of Engagement - “MMFI – Make Me Feel Important.” When someone comes to your/our business they want to be given excellent service – “Imagine, she said “they have a post-it note with MMFI stuck on their foreheads!”

Challenge the Process: The importance of Entrepreneurialism was emphasized by Kate “If it feels right, do it. Procrastination in the interests of reducing risks actually increases risk” Enable others to Act: Kate spoke about Ethics in business, and being true to yourself. “Morals really matter” she explained. Encourage the Heart: It is crucial that we encourage people to do what they believe in. If we show Empathy for others we encourage them best. She cited an example of how her own widespread engagement in her community eventually lead her to the role of Chief Minister of the ACT. Kate also spoke about her passion for her job at beyondblue and the importance of maintaining mental health is in the workplace. Ms Carnell said 17% of all depression in women and 13% in men is workplace related. This has serious implications for workplace productivity, yet there is little emphasis on mental health in the workplace. But “Strong Leadership can change that – A Mental Health friendly workplace is a productive workplace” said Kate. For more information on depression and anxiety in the workplace go to www.beyondblue.org.au

GCLP thanks Latrobe Community Health Service and Latrobe City Council for sponsoring the event.

G C L P F E L L OW S David Abbott

1997

Debbie Bye

1996

Robyn Duffy

2012 1998

Alex Aeschlimann

2010

Robyn Calnin

2008

Eric Duffy

Mary Aldred

2010

Dave Cann

2004

Andrew Dunn

1998

Heather Alexander

2009

Ian Carroll

2000

Jonathon Dyson

2009

Brett Alstan

2009

Neil Cartwright

2006

Pam Dyson

2004

Dianne Anderson

2001

Diane Casbolt

2006

Sharon Dyt

2010

Michelle Anderson

2003

Darryl Casey

1996

Kate Earle

2007

Linda Austin

2009

Glen Cheffers

2000

Alison Edgar

2012

Garry Austin

2007

Rob Cherry

1998

Anthony Egan

2008

Sally Avery

2002

Dan Clancey

2004

Kirsty Ellem

2006

Janiene Ayre

2002

Melissa Clohesy

2009

Natalie Elliott-Perfrement

2006

Nik Bagshaw

2008

Debra Coker

2011

Helen Falls

2005

Catherine Baird

2010

Pat Coles

2002

Donna Faulkner

2001

John Barnett

2011

Liz Collins

2005

Lindsay Fawcett

1999

Melissa Bastian

2011

Marnie Connolly

2003

Neil Fitzclarence

2012

Karen Baum

2012

Bruce Connolly

1997

Terry Flynn

2000

Irene Baxter

1998

Ron Conway

2012

James Forbes

2000

Jason Beck

1997

Cheryl Cook

2005

Frances Ford

2007

Stephen Bell (dec.)

2002

Gill Cooper

2012

Rod Forrer

1999

Rasa Bennett

1996

Erin Cosgriff

2000

Greg Forte

1998

Wayne Berryman

2003

Peter Courtney

2006

Peter Foster

1998

Fiona Bertoli

2004

Renata Coyle

1996

Sharon Fowler

2001

Scott Beveridge

1997

Jenny Crameri

1997

Peter Fraser

1996

Andrea Bird

2000

Kristy Crawford

2012

Mike Freeman

2006

Leonie Blackwell

2002

Garry Crow

2012

Andrew Fullard

2009

Diane Blackwood

1998

Paul Crozier

2006

Martin Fuller

2003

Carol Blandford

1999

Timothy Darby

2010

Bill Fuller

1998

David Blythman

2000

Nicolette Davey

2010

Adrian Fyfe

1997

Colleen Boag

1998

Maree Davidson

2005

Gary Gaffney

2000

Kim Bolding

2002

Mohya Davies

2011

Daniel Gall

2008

Hugo Bolton

2009

Roland Davies

2004

Rob Garnett

1999

Kate Boyer

2008

Susan Davies

1999

Greg Gebhart

2001

Carol Bradshaw

1997

Rachel Dawkins

2012

Wayne Gilmour

2004

Belinda Brauman

2006

Debra De Carli

2007

Kylie Gore

2001

Merrick Brewer

2008

Monique De Zwart

2004

Di Goulding

1997

Ross Brooker

2001

Kendra Dean

2000

Sarah Gover

2011

Deborah Brown

2005

Norm Dean

1998

Matt Granger

1997

Robert Brown

2004

Bronwyn Debenham

2007

Julie Grant

2000

Nigel Browne

2005

Kylie Debono

2005

Chris Griffin

2005

Michelle Brownrigg

1999

Michael Debono

2001

Sohan Gunasekera

2006

Andrea Brumley

2010

Tina Dent

1997

Margaret Guthrie

2004

Chris Buckingham

1999

Nicole Di Corleto

2009

Robert Haldane

1996

Wayne Buckley

2000

Helen Dixon

2005

Tina Hambleton

2004

Warrick Buckwell

2008

Gareth Downes

2009

Garry Hammer

2007

Alan Bullen

1997

Kylie Downey

2011

Jenny Hammett

2000

JiIIian Busch

2007

Jeanette Draper

1999

Rodney Hammond

2003

Craig Bush

2002

Nikki Drummond

2005

Catherine Hanrahan

2011

G C L P F E L L OW S Craig Hardy

2009

Sandy Komen

1999

Alan McAuliffe

2012

Jenni Hardy

2006

Chris Kooloos

2008

Darren McCubbin

2002

Chris Hargreaves

2012

Damian Kruger

2007

Will McCutcheon

2010

Ron Harper

2000

Natalie Kuczer

2008

Ross McDermott

2003

Di Harrison

2010

Kate Kuczer

2007

Craig McDonald

1998

Chris Hastie

2010

Braxton Laine

2009

Kath McEntee

1996

Paul Heaton-Harris

2000

Michael Laird

2003

Ian McGowan

2008

Anthony Heinemann

2012

Steven Lamande

1996

Peter McHugh

2001

Katherine Heinemann

2003

Ron Lambert

2011

Sally McKay

1999

Geoffrey Herben

2002

Craig Lamshed

2003

Bridget McKenzie

2008

Tony Hicks

2008

Terry Lamshed

2000

David McMahon

2006

Raelee Hill

2009

David Lane

2006

Jennifer McMillan

1997

Victoria Hingston

2009

Anna Langley

2012

Grant McNeill

2004

Dirk Holwerda

1999

Helen Lanigan

1998

Maree McPherson

2001

Terry Houge

1996

Neil Lawson

2004

Glenda McPherson

1996

Lindie Hutton

2004

Ken Lay

1999

Gerard McRae

2001

Ryan Incoll

2007

Sam Lazzaro

2007

Stewart McRae

1996

Kain Jackson

2002

Nick Lee

2007

Kath Medew

2004

Erlinda James

2008

Jesse Leeds

2012

Peter Middleton

2005

Rosemary James

2003

Kevin Liddy

2001

Phillip Milbourne

2001

Kathryn James

2001

Mark Lindsay

2009

Vicki Miles

2003

Krystyn James

1997

Jenny Lindsay

1997

Daniel Miller

2010

Kay Jellis

2009

Peter Linton

2001

Marjorie Milne

2003

Laurie Jeremiah

2006

Philip Lithgow

1996

Jonathan Missen

2000

Samantha Johanesen

2009

Renae Littlejohn

2010

Georgina Mitchell

2006

Mark Johnson

2003

Susan Lloyd

1998

Ann Mitchell

2003

Malcolm Jolly

2008

Tammy Logan

2008

Antoinette Mitchell

1996

Val Jones

1999

Erin Lord

2009

Pas Monacella

2007

Annette Katiforis

2011

Coral Love

2000

Craig Moon

2003

Andrew Kay

2008

Don Lovison

2010

Danny Moorhouse

2007

Genevieve Kelly

1999

Christina Lovison

2006

John Morrissey

1996

Sue Kemp

2010

Zonda Lynn

2006

Megan Morse

2012 2012

Claire Kent

2006

Frankie MacLennan

2004

Diana Mueller

Robert Kiddell

1997

Carole MacMillan

2005

Doug Mullen

2003

John Kienhuis

1999

Michael Madden

1996

James Murphy

2009

Susan Killeen

2004

Rosemary Maher

1996

Mick Murphy

2002

Samantha King

2011

Patrice Mahoney

2011

Julie Murray

2008

Carolyn King

2002

Crenagh Manion

2010

Kate Nagato

2007

Peter Kingwill

1998

Giuseppe Marino

2009

Prinesh Narayan

2011

Geoffrey Kinnish

2009

Marilyn Marino

2000

Mark Nash

2002

George Kircos

2008

Stephen Martin

2006

Ian Needham

1996

Stephen Kleinitz

2012

Helen Martin

1997

Geoff Newby

2007

Andrew Kneebone

1996

Lisa Mason

2007

Jennifer North OAM

1998

Robert Knight

2007

Les Mathieson

1997

Christopher Notman

2003

Debbie Knight

2004

Tracey Matthies

2003

Karyn Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien

2002

Sharon Knight

1998

Greg May

1996

Monique Osborn

2008

Justin Kohlman

2003

Anthony Mayer

2010

Jenny Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Sullivan

1998

G C L P F E L L OW S June Owen

1999

David Rohde

2003

Simon Vanderzalm

2002

Sally Paech

2004

Tim Ross

1998

Rob Vesty

2005

Katrina Palmer

2012

Karen Russell

2003

Mark Waller

2011

Pam Parker

2010

Laurice (Loo) Ryan

2006

Ewan Waller

2002

Jennifer Patterson

1997

Julianne Sargant

2011

Therese Walsh

2011

Greg Pattison

2010

Alan Scarlett

2002

Stephen Walsh

2008

Marianne Pelz

2001

Jurgen Schaeffer

1997

Derek Walton

2012

Christine Penpraze

2006

Giselle Scorse

2000

Dennis Ward

1997

Neville Penrose

1999

Mathew Scott

2006

Hanna Wardell

2003

Karleen Plunkett

2011

Dale Scott

1999

Christine Waring

2005

Mark Potter

2012

Graeme Sennett

1998

Anne Warren

2009

Jason Potts

2005

Josef Sestokas

2000

Kerrie Warren

2005

Mikaela Power

2001

Jeanette Severs

2002

Robert Warren

2002

Lois Pratt

2005

Steve Shinners

2001

Glen Waterhouse

2001

Ebonie Price

2008

Bruce Silvester

1999

Leah Watson

2005

Brendon Puddy

2010

Jodie Simpson

2009

Michelle Weatherall

2005

Ann Pulbrook

2012

Gagandeep Singh

2001

Janine Webb

2007

Jahna Pulford

2004

Darren Slocomb

1997

Chris Wrench

1999

Peter Quigley

1998

Jenine Smith

2001

Hazel Westbury

2010

Karen Raabe

2009

Thomas Speedie

2002

Karen Whitaker-Taylor

2001

Raj Rajakumar

2005

Tracey Sponza

2010

Chris White

2012

Jennifer Ramage

1998

Simon Sponza

2008

Jeanette White

2011

Darren Randle

2009

David Staley

2000

Roy White

2000

Murray Rank

1998

Donna Starkey

2010

David Wilbraham

2005

Janice Rankin

2000

Kay Steel

1999

Narelle Wilkins

2002

Jo Anne Rash

2009

Faye Stewart

2006

Diane Wilkinson

1998

Pauline Rathnow

2011

lain Stewart

1998

Linda Wilkinson

1996

Martin Raun

2009

Bryan Sultana

2007

Rohan Wilks

1999

Lynette Raven

1997

Catrina Szabo

2002

Loretta Willaton

2004

Kathleen Raymond

2011

Yvette Tancheff

2000

Rob Willersdorf

2012

Andrew Redston

2003

Linda Tanian

1999

Darren Williams

2004

Helen Reeves

2000

Syed Hasan Tanveer

2011

Allan Williams

2003

Roger Rejmer

1998

Adrian Terranova

2009

David Willington

2004

Chris Repetowski

2007

Richard Teychenne

2004

Alan Wilson

2002

Carolyn Richards

2011

Andrew Thompson

2007

Don Wishart

1999

Dale Richardson

2001

Libby Thompson

2001

Tony Wolfe

2006

Trevor Rickard

1996

Kerry Timmins

2005

John Worters

2008

Don Ripper

1997

Mike Timpano

1999

Gail Wright

2011

Kerri Ritchie

2011

Alisha Twite

2012

Fiona Xuereb

2008

Kathryn Ritzer-Alexander

2005

Debbie Tyson

2007

Ray York

1996

Kathleen Roberts

2000

Adam Tyson

2005

Paul Young

2012

David Roberts

1999

Peter Utri

1996

Sue Roberts

1997

Omno van den Eynde

2011

Diane Robinson

2006

Jeanne van der Geest Dekker 2012

Julie Rogalsky

2001

Dianne van der Merwe

2005

Sue Rogers

2006

Paul Van Loon

2002

Barry Rogers

1996

Ron Van Setten

1997

L E IPP A SL D A ER N SH D C IP O P R MM O UN G R ITY A M

GCLP 2015

GCLP 2015 EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST Calling Gippsland’s emerging community leaders….

What do I do now?

• Are you taking an active leadership role in your community? • Do you care passionately about what happens in your community? • Can you imagine ways to make your community stronger, even more supportive of its members?

• Go to www.gclp.asn.au and complete your application for a place in the 2015 program • Email info@gipps.com.au or ring 5623 3219 for more information

A place in the 2015 Gippsland Community Leadership Program might be for you….

REGIONAL COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS Every part of regional Victoria is serviced by a leadership program like the Gippsland Community Leadership Program. From the North East of a Victoria with Alpine Valleys Community Leadership Program to Leadership Great South Coast in the very South West of our state a CLP works to develop Community Leaders and Leadership.

• Can you make a transition from thinking about your community to our community? • Can you move from considering only our small local community to thinking of Gippsland as our community? Participating in the 2015 GCLP will challenge you to think differently, more broadly and provide you with a bigger picture of what community really is. • Have you asked yourself “what is leadership?” • Wondered “how can I polish my Community Leadership skills?” • Does a little voice in your head tell you “I’m not a leader”? The GCLP takes people like you on a yearlong journey of discovery – showcasing leadership and leaders, Gippsland itself and introduces you to the huge group of GCLP Fellows who, having completed their GCLP year are out in OUR Gippsland community working to make it a better place for all.

Thanks to the wonderful vision of the trustees of the Hugh Williamson Foundation in the early 1990’s and also to generous support of the Victorian Government via Regional Development Victoria there are now nine regional CLPs and a tenth due to start later in 2014. If you, a colleague or friend are interested in GCLP but live elsewhere go to www.vrclp.com.au to see the complete list and links to program websites.

With thanks our sponsors With thanks to our to sPonsors Gippsland’s GrowingGrowing Gippsland’s Leaders Leaders

Baw Baw Latrobe

Department of Department of

Human Services

Sustainability & Environment

Department of

Primary Industries

Regional Development Victoria

In-kind sponsors & sponsors hosting in-kind sPonsors & sPonsors hostinG events and ProGram daYs events and program days

Thanks other suPPorters

also to

GCLP, Patrick Morgan GCLP’12 (hon)

Designed, Printed and bound by: Gippsland Trade Printers

PROGRAM

2013

GCLP is a program of the Committee for Gippsland, in partnership with the community of Gippsland.

Yearbook