About the Program

In the Barossa, Gawler, Light, and Adelaide Plains regions, our community groups, volunteer organisations, and local business alliances play a crucial role in shaping resilient and connected communities.

The Empowered Committees Program is a leadership development initiative designed to support current and aspiring Chairs, Presidents, and executive team members. Through seven practical and interactive sessions, participants will gain the tools, confidence, and networks to lead with clarity and purpose.

Delivered by RDABGLAP in partnership with the Leaders Institute of South Australia and proudly funded by PIRSA, the program is tailored to strengthen governance, strategy, and community engagement across our region.

Key focus areas of the program include:

  • Effective Committee Leadership: Build on your experience in chairing meetings and leading diverse teams.
  • Volunteer Engagement: Strengthen your strategies to attract, motivate, and retain volunteers.
  • Strategic Governance: Refine your understanding of governance to sharpen direction, clarify roles and drive organisational effectiveness.
  • Succession Planning: Build sustainable leadership pipelines to support long-term success.
  • Communication & Influence: Strengthen your ability to advocate, inspire and meaningfully connect with stakeholders and your community.
  • Navigating Change: Advance your skills in managing conflict, leading through uncertainty and building team alignment.

This program supports established grassroots leaders with practical tools, fresh perspectives, and shared learning to lead with fresh momentum and impact

Registrations will open on 23 July 2025. To receive updates on and access program materials first, please register here.

Eligibility

  • You live, work, or identify with the Barossa, Gawler, Light, or Adelaide Plains region.
  • You are over 18 years of age.
  • You have a strong passion for improving your community.
  • You are eager to strengthen your leadership skills and learn new approaches.
  • You bring a diverse background and perspective, where your unique experiences, including those related to ability, age, race, gender, culture, and economic status, are welcomed and valued.

Cost

The program is valued at $3,200, but thanks to funding from PIRSA, participants pay just $320.

What is the Empowered Committees Program?

It’s a leadership program for Chairs, Presidents, and executive teams of community groups, volunteer organisations, and business alliances in the Barossa, Gawler, Light, and Adelaide Plains region. The program builds governance, strategy, and engagement skills through workshops, coaching, and peer learning.

Who can apply?

Anyone 18+ who lives, works, or identifies with the BGLAP region, and is an existing or aspiring leader in a community, volunteer, or business-led organisation.

What does it cost?

The program is valued at $3,200 but thanks to PIRSA funding, participants only pay $320. If this is a barrier, contact RDABGLAP to discuss support options.

What will I learn?

You’ll gain practical tools in:

  • Strategic planning and governance
  • Running effective meetings and managing conflict
  • Funding and resource strategies
  • Volunteer and team leadership
  • Community engagement and communication
  • Mentoring and coaching
  • Operational improvement

All learnings are immediately applicable within your committee or group.

What’s the time commitment?

The program runs from September to December 2025, with six workshops (a mix of full-day, half-day, and online), a welcome webinar, and a one-on-one coaching session. Optional masterclasses will be offered in early 2026.

Where are sessions held?

All 2025 in-person sessions will take place at The Hewett Centre, SA. Venues for 2026 sessions will be confirmed later this year.

How do I apply?

Registrations will open on 23 July. In the meantime, register your interest via the online form here and you will be the first to know when applications are open.

What’s included in the $320 fee?

The fee covers all core workshops, your coaching session, materials, refreshments, and access to three optional masterclasses in 2026 (Governance, Finance, Digital Presence).

How are participants selected?

A maximum of 24 will be selected based on leadership potential, current involvement, diversity, and regional impact.

What support is provided?

You’ll receive:

  • A one-on-one coaching session
  • Practical resources to apply in your committee
  • Connection with a supportive peer network

Can someone else from my committee attend instead of me?

One person from each committee should attend the full program, as sessions build on each other. However, optional 2026 workshops can be attended by another committee member if needed.

Is there a project involved?

There is no formal project. Instead, you’ll apply learnings directly in your group and reflect on outcomes to strengthen your impact.

I completed the Empowered Leaders Program, should I still apply?

Yes. While some tools may be familiar, this program offers deeper, more practical application focused on real-world committee dynamics, ideal for past ELP graduates ready to level up.

Alison Sanger, a woman wearing a black vest and sunglasses on her head, with the quote: ‘Be it paid employment or volunteering, there are times when you feel “I wonder why I’m doing this”. Just talking it through with other people makes you realise - well now I do know why I’m doing this - and it’s worth persevering with.’

What You’ll Learn

The Empowered Committees Program builds practical skills and fresh perspective in these key areas:

  • Strategic Leadership & Governance: Set direction, lead with purpose, and strengthen board and committee effectiveness.
  • Financial & Resource Management: Build budgeting confidence, improve financial oversight, and secure funding with compelling proposals.
  • Coaching & Mentoring: Support emerging leaders, foster a growth culture, and embed succession planning into your organisation.
  • Team & Volunteer Development: Lead inclusive, high-performing teams, navigate conflict, and retain committed volunteers.
  • Community Engagement & Inclusion: Design initiatives that build trust, reflect community diversity, and deepen relationships.
  • Digital Capability & Communication: Enhance your online presence, tell your story, and use digital tools to boost communication and engagement.