Bowen Basin Women in Leadership Program

The Bowen Basin Women in Leadership Program, delivered by RDA Greater Whitsundays and proudly supported by the Local Buying Foundation, has concluded its latest cohort with resounding success, marking a significant milestone in the journey to strengthen gender diversity in regional leadership.

Born from the success of an earlier pilot, the program was designed to address a key barrier for many women in regional and mining communities: self-doubt. Unlike their male counterparts, many women were hesitant to back themselves or step outside their comfort zones. This program tackled that challenge head-on, equipping participants with the tools, confidence and support to lead with purpose and authenticity.

Over the course of 12 months, participants engaged in:

• Five micro-credential workshops focused on leadership traits, strengths, and styles.
• Two masterclasses aimed at building confidence and self-belief.
• A full year of mentoring from local business and community leaders.
• Two networking events to foster relationships and shared learning.
• A final celebration event to honour achievements and strengthen industry connections 

The program’s impact was deeply personal and widely felt. Participants shared powerful testimonies about how the experience transformed their professional outlook and personal growth. As Nicola Willis from RDA Greater Whitsundays noted, the program helped women “let go of the ‘imposter syndrome’ and start to value themselves”.

The graduation event, captured in a series of interviews and photos, showcased the real-world outcomes of the initiative – from career progression to community leadership. The program has now reached a point of sustainability, with funding support expanding beyond LBF and plans to share resources with RDAs across Australia.

This initiative exemplifies the Local Buying Foundation’s commitment to unlocking long-term value in regional communities. By investing in people, particularly women in underrepresented sectors, the program is not only building individual capacity but also shaping a more inclusive and resilient leadership landscape for the Bowen Basin and beyond.

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Bowen Basin Women in Leadership Program

Aug 26, 2024

The Bowen Basin Women in Leadership program, funded by the Local Buying Foundation, is off to a promising start. Launched in April 2024, the program has completed two key events, bringing together participants from across the Isaac and Central Highlands regions. With a focus on gender diversity and leadership development, this initiative aims to empower women to build confidence, leverage their strengths, and connect with local leaders through workshops, masterclasses, and mentoring.

The first workshop included 25 mentees and 26 mentors coming together for a Mentoring Orientation session in Moranbah. Participants, including women from industries and areas like Mackay, Dysart, and Middlemount, began their leadership journey by completing strengths assessments and discussing understanding personal strengths, recognising areas for growth, and identifying where participants fit within the four domains of leadership: Executer, Influencer, Relationship Builder, or Strategic Thinker.

The second workshop deepened these insights by addressing topics such as the differences between introverts and extroverts, the importance of non-verbal communication, and strategies to overcome imposter syndrome. Participants also explored ways to improve listening skills and manage the emotional dynamics that often influence workplace interactions.

The first masterclass in the program, scheduled in September, will continue to expand on these topics, continuing the program’s intent to empower current and future women leaders in the Bowen Basin.

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Funding Approved for Bowen Basin Women in Leadership Program

26 April, 2024

The Queensland Local Buying Foundation is excited to announce funding approval for RDA Greater Whitsunday to deliver the Bowen Basin Women in Leadership program, running from April 2024 to May 2025. This initiative, under the Workforce Development funding category, fosters gender diversity in leadership roles across the Isaac and Central Highlands regions. The program will focus on developing leadership capabilities in 20-25 participants, with guidance from a similar number of mentors.

This approval is based on the immensely successful Women in Leadership series in the Mackay region delivered by RDA Greater Whitsunday’s in 2023 – also supported by the Local Buying Foundation.

Gender diversity in leadership has proven benefits, such as improved decision-making, enhanced financial performance, and fostering innovation. In the Bowen Basin, where leadership diversity remains a key area for growth, this program has the potential to create a lasting impact, not only for those directly involved but for the wider regional business community. The program includes 12 months of professional development including five full day workshops, two masterclasses and 12 months of mentoring from industry leaders, and represents a significant step toward promoting gender diversity in the workplace and contributing to the long-term development of the Bowen Basin region.

Melissa Westcott, Local Buying Foundation Chair, commented: “The Local Buying Foundation is committed to fostering a future-ready workforce that embraces diversity and inclusion. The Bowen Basin Women in Leadership program is a powerful example of how we can support the development of female leaders, ensuring they have the tools, confidence, and networks to thrive. By empowering women in leadership, we’re not only enriching the individuals involved but also driving innovation and resilience within our regional communities.”

More information and applications for participation can be found here. Applications are due by 10 May.