21 Local Community Leaders Graduate the Empowered Leaders Program

21 people from across the Barossa, Gawler, Light and Adelaide Plains have graduated from the 2025 Empowered Leaders Program — a practical course designed to build leadership capability, grow networks and support community development. The program is delivered by Regional Development Australia Barossa Gawler Light Adelaide Plains (RDABGLAP) in partnership with the Leaders Institute of South Australia. It is funded by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) through the 2024–26 Regional Leadership Development Program.

The Empowered Leaders Program is one of many supported through the broader Regional Leadership Development Program, which has trained more than 1,300 participants across 72 towns and delivered over 14,000 hours of leadership training across South Australia in the past year. Over 7 sessions, participants developed skills in strategic planning, communication, volunteer engagement and leading through change. They also worked in teams to design and present Community Impact Projects focused on sustainability, education, life on land and zero hunger — applying their learning to real-world challenges.

The graduation was held at Jacob’s Creek Cellar Door and included participant presentations, a formal certificate ceremony, and closing remarks from partners and supporters including Angela Ruddenklau PIRSA Principal Regional Advisor.

Jennifer Lynch, CEO of RDABGLAP, said the program equips local people to lead with clarity and purpose.

“Strong leadership is essential for sustainable growth of our regional busineses and communities. These participants leave with practical tools they can apply immediately — whether managing volunteers, applying for funding, or supporting their organisations through change.”

Sarah Cutbush, CEO of the Leaders Institute of South Australia, said the content is grounded in real community needs.

“Not only has the program developed a strong cohort to facilitate collaboration across the Barossa, Gawler, Light and the Adelaide Plains region, graduates are also equipped to be more active and effective in their communities. Having seen the growth in individual participants during the program, we look forward to seeing the impact that this group will make in growing a resilient and sustainable region for many years to come.”

Rolf Binder, Chair of RDABGLAP, said investing in leadership supports long-term progress.

“This program strengthens the leadership pipeline — ensuring local organisations have capable people ready to step up.”

Graduates

The 21 graduates came from diverse backgrounds and community roles, including emergency services, multicultural networks, health, sport, arts, education, local government and local small business. Many are long-term volunteers or emerging changemakers already active in local groups and committees.

Barossa:

Bron Anderson – Rotary Club of Gawler Light
Lisa Werner – Friends of Greenock School Group
Mark Betros – Wirraminna Care Inc, African Violet Growers Group
Matthew Holding – Top of the Torrens Theatre Group, SA Light Opera Society
Pauline Williams – Friends of the Old Cromer School, Mount Pleasant Progress Association
Sally-Anne Kennedy – Former Scout leader
Sam Koerner – SACFS, Seeds of Hope SPN, RDA BGLAP Board Member
Tania Morgan – Formerly Alice Springs Women’s Cricket Association