General News
28 November, 2023
Leadership program a / life-changer for Allison
A graduate in this year’s Change Makers program, Allison Doidge, from Warracknabeal, encourages others to participate in the initiative she believes changed her life. Ms Doidge was one of 19 graduates in the program, and took part in...
A graduate in this year’s Change Makers program, Allison Doidge, from Warracknabeal, encourages others to participate in the initiative she believes changed her life.
Ms Doidge was one of 19 graduates in the program, and took part in a presentation recently at Federation University, recognising the dedication, growth and leadership participants experienced during the journey.
The program is delivered by Wimmera Southern Mallee Development and Leadership Wimmera and facilitated by Julian Farkas from Leading Teams.
It aims to empower individuals with the mindset and skills to drive positive change within the community.
The program ran for about 10 months and included an opening retreat, a number of activities, trainings and workshops, shaping participants into leaders committed to making a difference.
"It focused on looking at yourself and challenging not only you, but your personality, and it was intense," Ms Doidge said.
"It was not what I expected, but so much more. It changed my life.
"It is common today for a lot of negative self-talk, so it is about channelling that, identify that and working out how to combat that to get the most out of yourself, which then means you can get the most out of those you are leading, weather that be community groups, or at work."
Ms Doidge said during the program, Leading Teams went through the qualities and traits that make a good leader.
"They have activities where almost not realising it, you are doing things that good leaders do, like checking in, finding out what is important for an individual today, that sort of stuff," she said.
"A good leader isn't necessarily a person who knows everything or bosses everyone around, it's about building relationships, with people or your staff, so when you need to have conversations that are genuine, you can because that relationship is already built."
It was Ms Doidge's boss at Werrigar Roadhouse who nominated her for Change Makers. Since then, she has been promoted to Team Leader at work.
"In the last 12 to 18 months I have stepped up into a leadership role at work," she said.
"It's the first position I have had where I need to lead people, so for him, it was to help me in my growth and to help me do my job."
Originally from Melbourne, Ms Doidge moved to the Wimmera five years ago, and said the different dynamic coming to a country town where everyone helps and offers support is still new to her.
"I also wanted to do that because I am slowly dipping my feet into the water, getting onto committees and helping out with my children's groups, so it was a win-win because in that aspect it also helped me," she explained.
"The program helped me lead by example for them and they are grasping that already, that it's what we do in the community we live in."
As part of the celebration at the graduation, each graduate delivered a speech, sharing personal stories and their community vision.
"This was a celebration of not just the end of a program but the beginning of a journey for these outstanding individuals," project manager Georgia Bennett said.
"Their speeches were a powerful testament to the impact of authentic leadership and the positive change they are committed to bringing to the Wimmera Southern Mallee.
"The graduates, having become catalysts for change, now embark on the next phase of their leadership journey, armed with knowledge, networks, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference."
Ms Bennett said Leadership Wimmera would continue the Change Makers program in 2024.
For details, contact Ms Bennett at georgia.bennett@wda.org.au.