Four NextGen leaders chosen for Illawarra Leadership Program scholarships

The program is the result of a partnership between RDA Illawarra, University of Wollongong Sydney Business School and The Illawarra Connection to help develop Illawarra's NextGen leaders.

RDA Illawarra's Debra Murphy said there has been a record number of applications for the next intake.

"We have had 34 expressions of interest and 28 said they wanted to be considered for a scholarship," she said.

"To get such a high level of interest given the state of the economy with COVID was fabulous.

"The scholarship recipients were chosen by three different assessment panels in a process that was quite hotly contested."

The winners were announced on Zoom.

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During the next two years the program will enhance the participants' leadership skills and experience.

UOW strategic project co-ordinator Amanda Nedeski, who works in the area of business improvement, was awarded a full scholarship from TIC in recognition of her commitment to self development and passion for the region.

Ms Nedeski said she was eager to put her name forward for such a significant program and was over the moon about being granted a scholarship.

"I have had my eye on this for the last couple of years," she said.

"I have known a number of past participants."

Those people she knew who have done the program told her it was so beneficial that she applied as soon as the window opened for the next two year intake.

"It is perfect timing for me. My three children are a bit older. My youngest one has turned four. This has come just at the right time after COVID this year.

"I am very excited about starting in February. I have already jumped on LinkedIn and made connections with the other scholarship winners.

"We are going to be in a positive environment with like minded people. I can't wait."

Sustainable Buildings Research Centre (SBRC) administration manager Robyn Dawson was awarded a half scholarship from TIC which noted her dedication to sustainability and working extensively as a volunteer for community and not-for-profit groups.

"I'm aware that by continuing to develop my leadership skills, I will be able to better serve my team, current community and our region," she said.

Natalie Allan Consulting director Natalie Allan received a full scholarship from UOW Sydney Business School and said the program would help her to drive positive change in the region.

"I can see so much potential for local organisations and businesses to step up and would really love to be someone who can drive that positive change," she said.

RDA Illawarra presented Colliers International Wollongong head of marketing Hayley Rodd with a full scholarship.

She has been an active participant in leadership programs, such as JCI, worked with international students at UOW and is passionate about helping women reach their professional goals.

"I want to work to minimise the obstacles that constrain females within the workplace and also be a positive example of female determination and success within an organisation," she said.

The announcement of the four scholarship recipients was made at The Illawarra Connection on Tuesday and coincided with the graduation of 21 inspiring leaders from the 2018/20 cohort.

Head of Management and Marketing in the Faculty of Business and Law at the University of Wollongong associate professor Grace McCarthy said it was great to be involved in identifying participants for the program that has run for much of the last decade.

"These are the leaders of the future who want to contribute to the community," she said.

"They want to do the program not only to benefit themselves. They actually want to improve the Illawarra.

"And they are joining a network of people who have done the program previously.

"More than ever we need to be optimistic about the future.

"So it is fantastic they are putting that effort in to develop themselves."

TIC president Graham Lancaster said it has been a long term objective of the peak networking group to foster leadership and the development of emerging leaders within our community.

"We want to make sure the people behind us coming through are able to succeed us in the future," he said.

"Rod Cunich once said our mission in life should be to replace ourselves and leave a legacy for those behind."

Internetrix managing director Daniel Rowan is a member of the RDA Board and said his involvement with the program started six years ago and he has seen several cohorts come through.

During that he has seen the positive impact it has made on so many emerging leaders.

"It is great to see a record number of applicants this year for paid places and scholarships," he said.

"It made it hard to select the participants and scholarships winners.

"There were applications from larger organisations we all know through to smaller businesses emerging."

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