Leadership program bears fruit for Mypolonga volunteer
Bec Turner is one of 142 beneficiaries of a Murraylands and Riverland program for future leaders – and she hopes more will sign up in 2024.
Stories create community – that’s why this recent story is now free to read. You can help Murray Bridge News tell our community’s stories by subscribing today.
Lots of country people have great ideas, Bec Turner says, but don’t know how to make them a reality.
For her, a leadership course filled in the gaps – and she hopes it could for other locals, too.
The Regional Leadership Development Program will take on at least two more groups of future leaders in 2024 and 2025 after getting a funding extension from the state government last week.
Ms Turner was one of 142 participants in the program across the Murraylands and Riverland in 2023.
She said she had found the experience incredibly valuable, both as a small business owner and a volunteer with various community groups at Mypolonga.
“It was so worth it,” she said.
“I didn’t know anything about it at the start, but … I thought ‘I’ll give it a go’.”
The course improved her communication skills, her ability to adapt to changing circumstances, and her understanding of leadership styles.
Just as importantly, though, it connected her with other movers and shakers from across the region: young and old, entrepreneurs, workers and volunteers, all of them positive and determined to make a difference in their communities.
“It literally could have been for anyone,” she said.
“You could use these skills in any small community for anything.
Stories create community. You can help Murray Bridge News tell our community’s stories.
“Out here in rural (communities), we’ve got so many people who would really benefit from it.”
In her case, it gave her the confidence to lead the Mypolonga History Museum’s effort to become incorporated.
It will no doubt help her make an impact through her business, Mypolonga Avocados, and Neighbourhood Watch, Communities for Children and the Child and Family Network, too.
In total, more than 1300 people from 72 towns around South Australia have participated in the leadership program since 2022.
More than two thirds of participants were women.
Rob Kerin, chair of Regional Development South Australia, hoped the program would continue to bear fruit for communities around the state.
“It’s important that a wide diversity of regional South Australians are given the practical training they need to effectively lead businesses, industries, and community organisations into the future,” he said.
“This is a great investment in the future of regional SA.”
- More information: rdamr.com.au/rldp.
