Regional organisations paving the way for female leaders

STAGE two of Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays (RDA GW) Women in Leadership Thriive program is underway.

The program is coordinated by RDA GW Project Manager Nic Willis and was established to address the under-representation of women in leadership roles in regional areas by providing workshops, masterclasses, access to local and regional leadership mentors, and industry networking opportunities.

Nic Willis said the program to date has “been a real eye opener”.

“Women at all levels underplay their capacity and capabilities, often feeling that they cannot display their true confidence in roles and tasks.

“The program seeks to support the women involved to stop second guessing their abilities and instead take calculated risks, explore opportunities and above all understand they have the skills and capability to achieve their aspirations.”

Stage one was funded by the Local Buying Foundation (LBF), a BHP-established foundation that supports regional programs facilitating workforce development, innovation and building the industry.

After requests from the stage one participants for continued development and support, RDA GW developed a stage two for the program that will continue to be supported by LBF.

LBF Project Officer Sarah Miotto said that LBF is “thrilled to provide ongoing support” for the Women in Leadership Thriive Program in Mackay.

“After witnessing the success of the initial six-month program, which attracted influential leaders within the community and created demand for continued mentoring and leadership development, the LBF Advisory Committee recognised the value in the continuation of this exceptional initiative.

“This program aligns with the LBF intent and commitment to supporting projects and programs which build regional business communities.”

The twenty-five stage one participants will continue to develop their personal and professional skills in stage two through the program’s workshops and mentoring over the next five months.

To keep up to date with the Women in Leadership Thriive program and RDA GW’s other initiatives, follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rdagw.