1. Summit
28 & 29 April 2015
Plus One Full-Day Workshop
30 April 2015
Rydges South Bank, Brisbane
EXPLORE
Indigenous Women’s
Leadership Summit 2015
Inspiring and empowering stories of
success from current and emerging
leaders
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS
Book & Pay by 14 January 2015 to
receive an additional Value Plus Discount!
Phone: +61 2 8239 9700
Fax: +61 2 8239 9777
www.liquidlearning.com.au
Booking Code - P
Finding practical solutions to
overcome professional barriers
Understanding your values and how
they align with your career
Balancing professional commitments
with community obligations
Key Strategies for Indigenous Female Leaders Across all
Sectors to Accomplish Personal and Community Goals to
Generate Advancement and Enhance Success
Liquid Learning is delighted to present the Indigenous Women’s
Leadership Summit 2015, an uplifting and inspirational leadership
development opportunity.
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Mandy Young Executive Director, Strategic Reform
and Policy
Department of Family and Community Services
Cathy Craigie Executive Director
First Nations Australia Writers Network
Rhonda Anjilkurri Radley Program Manager
Djiyagan Dhanbaan (Strong Sister) Movement
Ruth Link Chief Executive Officer
The Kuwul Group
Professor Boni Robertson Professor Indigenous
Policy and Director Office of Indigenous Community
Engagement, Policy and Partnerships
Griffith University
Cheri Yavu-Kama-Harathunian Director/ Chaplain
Indigenous Wellbeing Centre
Leanne Liddle Senior Policy Advisor
Northern Land Council
Sandra Creamer Legal Professional
Cassandra Gillies Director, Engagement and
Reporting
Queensland Mental Health Commission
Carol Vale Managing Director and Principal
Consultatnt
Murawin Pty Ltd
Kristal Chapman Indigenous Relations Advisor
Laing O’Rourke
Leanne Phillips Director
Oasis of Inner Light
Pele Bennet General Manager, Sector Development
Queensland Aboriginal & Islander Health Council
Sherri Siem Director
Fire Tree Consulting Pty Ltd
Irene Hocke Facilitator
Changemakers
Sharon Kinchela Project Manager
Kambu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island
Corporation for Health
Nadine McDonald-Dowd Executive Manager,
kuril dhagun
State Library of Queensland
Kym Harrison Manager/Principal Coordinator
Murri Sisters Association
Nola Turner-Jensen Principal Director and Founder
Education Dreaming (formerly Crackerjack Education)
Rachel Tipoti Clinical Nurse Consultant, Womens
and Mens Business Clinic, Palm Island
Joyce Palmer Health Service
2. Day One 28 April 2015
Overcoming Obstacles and Paving Pathways to Success
PLUS WORKSHOP!
Plus One Separately Bookable
Full-Day Workshop on 30 April 2015
8.30 - 8.55 Registration and Morning Coffee
8.55 - 9.00 Welcome to Country
9.00 - 9.35 OPENING KEYNOTE CASE STUDY
Leading the way through to Chief Executive
Officer
Leading as Indigenous women incorporates strong
values and community spirit. The principles are unique
to those leaders who convey responsibility and effective
management. Mandy encompasses all the essential
leadership traits to drive success and strengthen her
community. In this session she will cover her leadership
journey as a Senior Executive including NSW Commissioner
of Victims Rights and CEO of a large Government
organisation. Discuss:
• Addressing significant career events that have contributed
to Mandy’s success
• An understanding of the common career challenges for
Indigenous women in executive leadership roles
• Strategies to reach peak performance and assess the
career path you choose to take
Mandy Young Executive Director, Strategic Reform
and Policy
Department of Family and Community Services
9.35 - 9.50 Questions and Discussion
9.50 - 10.25 CASE STUDY
Indigenous female leadership - Leading with
compassion and thought
Leadership embodies a certain status within a professional
and societal structure however it is also important to
remember that leadership requires a personal sense
of responsibility. Responsibility is an attribute that is
embedded within in true leaders. In this session, Aunty
Cheri will share her leadership story, drawing on her
considerable experience and success within the Indigenous
community. Discuss:
• Key elements to progressing your leadership career
through development
• Understanding your leadership attributes to help flourish
and project your professional presence
• Developing a clear understanding of your cultural identity
and your responsibilities as a leader
Cheri Yavu-Kama-Harathunian Director/Chaplain
Indigenous Wellbeing Centre
10.25 - 10.40 Questions and Discussion
10.40 - 10.55 Morning Tea
10.55 - 11.30 EXPERT COMMENTARY
Paving career pathways for Indigenous female
leaders
In order to advance your career as an Indigenous woman,
it is important to be in the driver’s seat of your professional
future. Whether you’re an emerging or established
leader, this session will assist in the identification and
implementation of the strategies required to achieve your
career aspirations and progress in your role. Carol will
explore key practical approaches for the development and
realisation of career objectives. Discuss:
• Overcoming obstacles, setting goals and creating a
career action plan
• Promoting your strengths and adopting a proactive
approach
• Skill development and continuous learning
Carol Vale Managing Director and Principal Consultant
Murawin Pty Ltd
11.30 - 11.45 Questions and Discussion
11.45 - 12.20 CASE STUDY
Leading with values and significance within your
community
Indigenous leaders carry a large set of values that are closely
tied to their community. Living these values through your
career dictates your leadership style and presence. There
is no single way to lead, with every journey different to the
next and often these journeys are reliant on your values. As a
values-based leader, Cathy will share her journey through her
career. Explore:
• Strategies on how to lead with significance and importance
• How to align your values with your community and
organisation
• Building an understanding that leadership is not linear and
structured
• How to build a leadership style right for you
Cathy Craigie Executive Director
First Nations Australia Writers Network
12.20 - 12.35 Questions and Discussion
12.35 - 1.35 Networking Lunch
1.35 - 2.25 INTERACTIVE PANEL DISCUSSION
Managing conflict and handling difficult situations
Given the varied challenges that leaders face on a daily
basis, disagreements between members of bureaucracy,
organisations, community members and families can arise
due to differing needs and interests. The capacity to react
in a calm, respectful manner whilst seeking compromise or
understanding is crucial. This panel will draw on experiences
and discuss:
• Managing stress quickly whilst remaining calm and alert
• Controlling your emotions and behaviour in order to
communicate your needs
• Finding a common ground and applying strategic solutions
Leanne Liddle Senior Policy Advisor
Northern Land Council
Kristal Chapman Indigenous Relations Advisor
Laing O’Rourke
Rhonda Anjilkurri Radley Program Manager
Djiyagan Dhanbaan (Strong Sister) Movement
2.25 - 3.00 EXPERT COMMENTARY
Overcoming career advancement barriers as an
Indigenous woman
Indigenous female leaders are often disadvantaged in relation
to receiving relevant career advancement opportunities which
in turn creates a cultural imbalance and limits diversity. In this
session, Sandra will cover her career as a lawyer outlining the
barriers she has overcome to achieve leadership success.
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT
Receive $150 off registration if you
register and pay by 20 March 2015
3. Follow this event on Twitter using the event hashtag
#IWL0415 and @LiquidLearning for daily industry
updates!
The 2nd Annual Women in
Leadership Queensland
Summit 2015
17 & 18 March 2015
Rydges South Bank, Brisbane
The Women in Media and
Communications
Leadership Summit 2015
24 & 25 February 2015
Rendezvous Grand Hotel, Melbourne
ALSO AVAILABLE:
Discuss:
• An inspiring leadership story from an Indigenous woman
whom has reached leadership success
• Understanding the barriers and limitations in your career
path
• Developing the skills and the key knowledge to tackle
inequality when an opportunity is present
Sandra Creamer Legal Professional
3.00 - 3.15 Questions and Discussion
3.15 - 3.30 Afternoon Tea
3.30 - 4.20 INTERACTIVE ROUNDTABLE
Strategies to overcome barriers and challenges
as an Indigenous female leader
As leaders, Indigenous women encounter varying
challenges and obstacles that are often personally trying
to overcome. Managing a work / life balance as well as
demonstrating skill and value within your organisation are
examples of challenges that require resilience. In this round
table, challenges will be brought to the table along with
solutions to common career problems. Explore:
• Discuss common career challenges effecting Indigenous
female leaders
• Discover solutions to resolve challenges presented
• Implement strategies to reinforce these solutions within
your organisation, community and career
Leanne Phillips Director
Oasis of Inner Light
4.20 Concluding Remarks from the Chair
Day Two 29 April 2015
SUPER SAVER DISCOUNT
Receive $300 off registration if you
register and pay by 13 February 2015
VALUE PLUS DISCOUNT
Receive $400 off registration if you
register and pay by 14 January 2015
8.30 - 8.55 Morning Coffee
8.55 - 9.00 Opening Remarks from the Chair
9.00 - 9.45 OPENING CASE STUDY
Babingka Kika Kunjin-Kujil through kalkabijal
baral and juru-kalkaba
“Grandmother looking after her grandchildren through
creating strong pathways for current leaders and
pipelines of future leaders to ensure succession and
sustainability of our cultural practices, cultural protocols
and our collective future as First Nations”. These words
hold great value and signifies the importance of collective
succes within the Indigenous culture. As a leader who
values community, Ruth will discuss:
• Stories of past achievements that have contributed to
Ruth’s success
• Understanding the importance of achieving collectively
as a community
• Building strong leaders to carry cultural practices and
protocols
Ruth Link Chief Executive Officer
The Kuwul Group
9.45 - 10.00 Questions and Discussion
10.00 - 10.45 CASE STUDY
Working towards positive change through
education
The impact that we have is dependent upon our
passions and the changes we want to make. For Nola,
creating positive workspaces for Indigenous individuals
through education is a journey that has shaped her
unique leadership style. As a leader she has created
initiatives to educate non-Indigenous Australian teachers
to be able to reflect the learnings to students of Ancient
Australia. She will cover:
• Her leadership journey through the inception of Crackerjack
and where it stands now
• A look into the initiatives that she expects will bring about
societal change within the Indigenous community
• An understanding of Nola’s passions and drivers
Nola Turner-Jensen Principal Director and Founder
Education Dreaming (formerly Crackerjack
Education)
10.45 - 11.00 Questions and Discussion
11.00 - 11.15 Morning Tea
11.15 - 12.00 EXPERT COMMENTARY
Maintaining effective leadership skills through
mentoring and coaching
Effective leaders recognise the importance of mentoring
and coaching to continually develop their leadership
capabilities. Mentors and coaches help us develop a full
range of leadership skills which we can apply in the variety
of leadership challenges we encounter. Pele will discuss
how she has implemented skills learned via mentoring and
coaching throughout her leadership roles. Discuss:
• Recognising and building mentoring and coaching
relationships
• Having a range of mentors and coaches at different
4. Creating Opportunities for Personal and Communal Achievement
Phone: +61 2 8239 9700
Fax: +61 2 8239 9777
www.liquidlearning.com.au
• Chief Executive Officers/
Managing Directors
• Directors /Assistant Directors
• General Managers/Managers
• Branch/Section Managers
• HR/OD/Diversity and Inclusion
WHO WILL ATTEND
• Leadership Programs/Trainers/
Coaches
• Women’s Leadership Program
Managers
• Indigenous Leadership
• Community Programs
All WILMA Members receive 10% off the Standard Rate
Sign up today at www.wilma.net.au
Established, emerging and aspiring Indigenous leaders in various roles,
including:
Women in Leadership and Management Australasia is an online
community developed to network, discuss and share ideas with other
Women in Australasian Business Leadership and men who are wanting
to help improve the current leadership imbalance. The WILMA network
has been created as an initiative to help improve the conversation
surrounding gender equality in leadership positions across Australasia.
WILMA aims to bring you informative and insightful blog posts and the
opportunity to connect with others through the online forum.
3.00 - 3.15 Questions and Discussion
3.15 - 3.30 Afternoon Tea
3.30 - 4.20 INTERACTIVE CLOSING ROUNDTABLE
What have we achieved so far? A look ahead to
where Indigenous female leaders are heading
The Indigenous Women’s Leadership Summit has covered a
variety of key issues and challenges confronting our leaders
today. It has examined issues relating to our personal
effectiveness as leaders, and also external factors and issues
embedded in our systems and society. As we move forward
into the future, this closing roundtable will outline the path that
Indigenous female leadership is taking, and aims to provide
inspiration as to how to pursue a productive future. Discuss:
• A positive reflection of where we have been and how far we
have come
• Strategies to create and build on lessons learnt, reinforcing
strategic career progression
• Understanding the importance and impact of your
leadership style
• Finding a balance between meeting your individual and
community needs
Leanne Phillips Director
Oasis of Inner Light
4.20 Concluding Remarks from the Chair
and Summit Close
stages of your career to support you through the variety
of personal and organisational challenges
• Sharing what you learn and passing on the benefits
Pele Bennet General Manager, Sector Development
Queensland Aboriginal & Islander Health Council
12.00 - 12.15 Questions and Discussion
12.15 - 1.15 Networking Lunch
1.15 - 2.00 INTERACTIVE PANEL DISCUSSION
Promoting your strengths and establishing your
self-confidence as a leader
Effective and successful leaders advocate for themselves
and their stakeholders in an assertive, proactive way. In
order to build your self-confidence and promote your
qualities, it is important to learn new skills, challenge
yourself and build self awareness. Here today to share
the techniques and strategies necessary to lead with
confidence, the panel will discuss:
• Adopting positive ‘self-talk’ and self-accepting thoughts
• Setting achievable goals and developing your potential
• Practical strategies for developing assertiveness
Sherri Siem Director
Fire Tree Consulting Pty Ltd
Rachel Tipoti Clinical Nurse Consultant, Womens
and Mens Business Clinic, Palm Island
Joyce Palmer Health Service
Sharon Kinchela Project Manager
Kambu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island
Corporation for Health
Kym Harrison Manager/Principal Coordinator
Murri Sisters Association
Professor Boni Robertson Professor Indigenous
Policy and Director Office of Indigenous Community
Engagement, Policy and Partnerships
Griffith University
Cassandra Gillies Director, Engagement and
Reporting
Queensland Mental Health Commission
2.00 - 2.15 Questions and Discussion
2.15 - 3.00 CASE STUDY
Managing your work and life - Understanding the
perfect mix
It is now common knowledge that finding a work and life
balance still remains one of the greatest challenges for
women in leadership positions. Much of the emphasis is
put on women trying to balance family and career however
it is important to recognise that it is not a juggling game. In
this session, Nadine will delve into her strategies in trying
to find the work and life balance within bureaucracy while
maintaining connection to community and self. Explore:
• Finding the equilibrium between your work and life
• Building an understanding that your life is your work, vice
versa and creating strategies to build on this
• Managing difficult situations and creating ease through
the use of support networks
Nadine McDonald-Dowd Executive Manager,
kuril dhagun
State Library of Queensland
5. 9.00 - 4.30
Building and Understanding Your Unique Leadership Style as an Indigenous Female Leader
Indigenous leadership is unique and unstructured. It has been said that traditionally “Aboriginal leaders lead from behind. If there was a problem
someone will see it and deal with the problem. Others will go to the middle to keep the mobs safe. Others will stay at the back to ensure that
Indigenous people keep moving forward.” With a culture based on the unique individualities of leadership, Irene will explore how Indigenous females
can lead effectively. Comprehending your leadership style and building on the attributes that suit you most is the key to success. This workshop will
cover:
• Understanding your leadership style and where you stand in the mob
• Effectively building on strengths of value to your professional needs
• Generating skills which are transferrable and valuable for any career path
• Building on support networks to ensure leadership success
• Aligning your professional values with the community you serve
• Tools to overcome common leadership challenges
• Demonstrating your culture through a leadership style unique to you
Expert Facilitator: Irene Hocke Facilitator
Changemakers
Irene comes from an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander and multicultural family background. She was born and raised in the Torres Strait until her
family moved to the Cairns area where she completed her schooling. Irene credits her parents and family as role models who provided her with the
support, values and beliefs that have made her the person she is today. Irene’s mother was from the Umai clan of Saibai Island, and her father, an ex-
German soldier who immigrated to Australia after the end of WWII. Both her parents taught her to value education, which influenced her to complete
a teaching qualifications at James Cook University in Townsville and Cairns. Irene later went on to gain her other qualifications as an adult learner. Her
interest and passion for empowering people grew out of her own personal journey and interest in unleashing the power of the mind to achieve the
goal of living her best life.
Irene has two adult children who are both successfully working in full-time employment after completing their education and qualifications.
A life-long student, Irene has always been passionate about learning, and truly believes that knowledge is power.
SPONSOR TODAY!
Limited sponsorship and exhibition opportunities
available. For your chance to brand yourself as a
market leader, please call: +61 2 8239 9700 or email:
partnership@liquidlearning.com.au
!
To request an electronic version
for easy circulation, email
marketing@liquidlearning.com.au
Workshop 30 April 2015
ABOUT THE EVENT
• 8.30 - 9.00 Registration
• 9.00 - 10.40 Session One
• 10.40 - 11.00 Morning Tea
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
• 11.00 - 12.30 Session Two
• 12.30 - 1.30 Lunch
• 1.30 - 3.00 Session Three
• 3.00 - 3.20 Afternoon Tea
• 3.20 - 4.30 Session Four
• 4.30 Close of Workshop
Over the years, female Indigenous representation in leadership has increased within organisations and communities across Australia; however there
is still a long way to go. In order to continue to move forward and increase access to leadership opportunities, it is crucial that female Indigenous
leaders refine their skills and establish networks to support them in their development journey.
The Indigenous Women’s Leadership Summit will offer an exceptional speaker line up, sharing their experiences and insights in order to address
the challenges and obstacles faced by women wishing to progress their leadership careers. It will also showcase strategies on how these challenges
can be overcome, and the methods that women can implement in order to ensure that their career duties and goals are aligned with cultural and
community obligations.
The Summit will address the complex and diverse roles that female Indigenous leaders take on, providing strategies on how they can increase their
scope as influential leaders. It also explores a variety of strategies and tools that can be utilised in order to increase self-confidence and assertiveness.
The objective of the Summit is to provide inspiration and a practical learning opportunity for aspiring leaders to develop their skills to achieve success.
