Regional Development Australia held the inaugural session of its Inspired leadership 2023 program on Thursday 1 June at Port Elliot / Kandjeinwald.

The 20 participants represent a diverse array of interests and industries across Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island region.

They started the day with a Welcome to Country and coastal culture walk led by Cultural Leaders Cedric Varcoe, proud Ramindjeri man of the Ngarrindjeri Nation, and his son Risho. 

The group then shared in rich stories and cultural wisdom during a session entitled ‘How might we better know Country and know ourselves?’.

Described as a contemporary program for the times we are living in, the program is an initiative of Regional Development Australia AHFKI and delivered by Newday Leadership.

It aims to develop and grow exceptional leaders in the region, guided by the principles of global change, cultural awareness, and social responsibility, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Sue Arlidge, Regional Development Manager, RDA AHFKI says she is excited by Inspired Leadership 2023.

“Newday have designed a program for the times we are living in. It will equip a truly diverse group of leaders from our region with the skills and relationships to realise their potential. 

“It will take people on a transformative journey to unlock their potential to thrive and contribute to positive social, local, and global change. 

“This program aligns with RDA’s vision for a prosperous region made up of engaged, connected and resilient communities.” 

Inspired Leadership 2023 will be delivered across a variety of locations throughout the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu, on the lands of the Ngarrindjeri, Kaurna and Peramangk peoples, including Port Elliot, Myponga, Hahndorf, Mount Barker and Piccadilly.

The Inspired leadership 2023 participants are Alex Schulkin, Donna Shotton, Elizabeth Trethewey, Grace McDonald, Jason Tyndall, Jess Harris, Jo-anne Sarre, Kalani Bates, Katharine Henning, Kristian Le Gallou, Linda Perea, Liz Sanders, Megan Harvie, Mel Hollick, Mohammed Jimiur Rahman Pathan, Naomi Keyte, Rachelle Barlow, Steph Campbell, Stuart Jones and Tiahni Adamson.