WCIG’s staff go above and beyond to strengthen leadership and community engagement skills
05 Jan 2012 - WCIG’s Gabrielle Curtain, a Disability Employment Services Team Leader in our St Albans office, recently took part in the Sunshine District Leadership Training Program, facilitated by the Brimbank City Council.
The annual program is open to local students, residents or employees over the age of 18 with an interest in leadership and community issues, but is subject to very limited places upon application. Gabrielle had seen the eight-week leadership program advertised on the council website and decided to give it a go. ‘WCIG have provided me great supports and PD [personal development] to develop my ability as a Team Leader. Council’s program served to solidify and validate a lot of what I’m already doing. The program was a good opportunity to network with and meet new people. I am hoping this will assist WCIG to build upon the good work we already do with Brimbank Council.’
As a part of the program, participants were taken through seminars and workshops on understanding leadership and leadership styles, effective communication, public speaking, working with the media, grant application writing, project management and were given an overview of the council and its services. They there then asked to come up with an idea for a community event to be held in Sydenham, and the group decided on a novel, cost-effective and accessible spring kite festival; ‘Kite flying is a seemingly solo activity but seeing 200 people all flying a kite at once somehow made it feel communal.’
Gabrielle strongly recommends this program ‘to anyone wanting to effect positive change in their community, particularly those looking to pick up some leadership skills and gain firsthand experience at putting on a community event.’ Her participation in this program highlights her dedication above the call of duty to achieve the best possible knowledge about leadership and her community.
