Emerging Community Leaders 2024

The 2024 Emerging Community Leaders cohort began their journey with their first residential in March. Their first residential focused on ‘Self Leadership’ and Eric Gooi, one of our participants, shared his reflection on the experience in a LinkedIn post. Read his reflection from a week after the event below:

“Last Thursday marked another transformative milestone in my leadership journey as I immersed myself in the Tasmanian Community Fund’s Emerging Community Leaders Program (ECLP) alongside 24 diverse individuals from across Tasmania. Reflecting on Residential 1: Self Leadership, facilitated by Rikki Mawad and Tony Chapman fills me with gratitude, emphasising the significance of 'Me.’

Dr Polly McGee shared insights on the neurobiology of self-leadership with my take on the need to repair ruptures from within, and embrace authenticity and vulnerability. Since May 2023, their guidance has been instrumental in my growth, particularly in public speaking, self-regulation, curiosity and continuous development.

4 inspiring community leaders, Vanessa Adams MBE, Rebekah Frankcombe, Jodie Saville and Lee Seymour generously shared their journeys, offering valuable lessons. Their candid discussions on self-leadership provided insightful guidance on how to lead, what to avoid and essential self-care tips.

I extend my thanks to the entire group for fostering a safe space where I felt a sense of belonging. Your willingness to share stories, embrace vulnerability and foster connections has been invaluable. As we navigate our journeys as leaders, let's continue to lead with compassion.

Excited about the prospects of 2024, I am grateful for this incredible leadership journey and the bonds we have formed.

Special thanks to Camillia, Mel and Jack for hosting a memorable Circular Head Aboriginal Corporation (CHAC) experience on Friday evening. We deeply appreciate their warm hospitality, cultural insights, captivating smoke ceremony and community garden tour. The feast fit for royalty showcased their culinary talents and Camillia’s introduction to CHAC highlighted the remarkable work these community leaders do for the Circular Head community. I am grateful for the generosity and richness they added to our collective journey.

Thank you, Lola Cowle, Bernie and the fellow amazing people who are with me on this ECLP journey. I am so looking forward to more laughs and to know all of you better at the next 3 residentials!” – Eric Gooi