On Saturday 25th February 2017, 24 of Tasmania’s brightest leaders will graduate from the 2016 Tasmanian Leaders Program, taking the skills, knowledge and determination gained through the program to enact and enable innovative and positive change for Tasmania.

Over 11 months, the participants of the 2016 program have explored Tasmania’s key challenges and opportunities in areas such as community, business, economics and government through seminars, case studies, field trips and retreats. They have been exposed to hundreds of business and community leaders, experts and critical thinkers.

Often described as a life-changing journey, the program enhances each participant’s leadership capacity, while prompting them to develop a vision for Tasmania’s future. Graduating participant, Donna Brown, Manager Environment Health and Safety, Hydro Tasmania says, “The TLP experience came at just the right time for me. I was at a mid-career point where I was ready to step-up and take on new challenges. The Program has opened my eyes to various issues and opportunities in Tasmania and galvanised my commitment to the State and its future.”

Chris Griffin, Chief Executive Officer Tourism Northern Tasmania, says that his Tasmanian Leaders Program experience, “Is best described as an exploration of self and selflessness shared with 23 of the most dynamic, diverse and remarkable people Tasmania has to offer.”

The program is intentionally diverse, and draws participants from all areas of Tasmania. It challenges participants to examine, develop and explore their viewpoints and ideas, and encourages new thinking and conversations to occur.

“And while I may never have considered myself a leader before, I know moving forward that I can, and will, empower others to achieve their best. I now know that this is what true leadership is about. It is not about having an impressive title or having particular personality traits. It is about being able to share a vision and inspiring other to be part of it”. Monica Plunkett 2016 Valedictorian

The graduating group will expand the Tasmanian Leaders Program Alumni to 224, adding to the already skilled and motivated group of individuals who are a valuable resource as both leaders and advocates for Tasmania.
Tasmanian Leaders Chair, Ginna Webster says, “These graduates add to our talented and passionate Alumni who are actively contributing to leadership in our community. We are looking forward to what these enthusiastic and inspirational group of leaders do next to make Tasmania a better place.
Major sponsors of Tasmanian Leaders are the Tasmanian Government through the Department of State Growth, RACT, the Federal Group, Nekon and WIN TV.

TLP 2018 will be open to new applicants on 1 June, 2017. For more information visit www.tasmanianleaders.org.au.
 
Background to Tasmanian Leaders
There are three missions within the broad remit of the organisation. Tasmanian Leaders is an independent not-for-profit organisation that identifies and develops leaders who are committed to creating and influencing a successful future for our state. The Tasmanian Leaders Program enhances participants’ leadership skills, networks and ability to influence through a dynamic year-long action learning program that is the primary output of Tasmanian Leaders Inc. The Tasmanian Leaders Alumni is a strong and growing network of graduates from the Tasmanian Leaders Program who apply their leadership capacity for the benefit of the Tasmanian community and each other.

2016 Tasmanian Leaders Program Participant List

Robin Barnes
Lecturer, Access and Social Inclusion
University of Tasmania

Louise Bishop
Manager – Tasmania
Zinfra

Donna Brown
Manager, Environment,Health and Safety
Hydro Tasmania

Shuhong Chai
Associate Dean, Learning & Teaching
University of Tasmania – Australian Maritime College

Daryl Connelly
Execuitive Officer
Cradle Coast Innovation

Michael Giudici
Surveyor General
Land Tasmania, State Government

Chris Griffin
CEO
Tourism Northern Tasmania

Daniel Hackett
Founder
RiverFly 1864

Jeff Harper
Regional Chief
Tasmania Fire Service
Theresa Hay
Acting Director Science Program – Land
Defence Science & Technology Group

Prue Horne
On a gap year, discovering her next step

Kacee Johnstone
Communications Advisor – Strategic Projects
Department of Health and Human Resources

Fiona Kerslake
Research Fellow
Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
University of Tasmania

Stuart Loone
General Manager
Spring Bay Mill (Triabunna Investments Pty Ltd)

Susan McLeod
Senior Environmental Consultant
GHD Pty Ltd

Alexandra Mitchell
Policy Analyst
AgriGrowth Tasmania,
Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment

Leigh Oswin
Change Manager
Ashley Youth Detention Centre

Monica Plunkett
Owner/Creative Director
Halibut Creative

David Pyefinch
Director
Madfinch Pty Ltd

Malcolm Reeve
General Manager
Ochre Recruitment Pty Ltd

Kieran Rimmelzwaan
Project Manager/Estimator
Vos Construction and Joinery Pty Ltd

Lance Stapleton
Department Manager
TasWater

Amanda French (Street)
Senior Project and Research Officer
Relationships Australia, Tasmania

Ursula Taylor
Communications Officer
Derwent Estuary Program and Cradle Coast NRM
Jenn Heggarty