Inspired Leadership 2026

Ignite your spark! Develop fresh leadership skills.

Real leadership isn’t about standing above others. It’s about stepping up for your region and driving practical change alongside people who care just as much as you do.

Inspired Leadership will bring together emerging, aspiring, and established leaders to collaborate, explore fresh perspectives, and lead authentically across the Hills, Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island.

This immersive program is open to people from all walks of life, championing inclusivity by inviting applications from people of all abilities, culturally diverse backgrounds, LGBTQI+ and First Nations communities. We also encourage people under 30 years of age to apply (though all ages from 18–70 are eligible).

This project is supported by the Government of South Australia, through the Thriving Regions Fund, Regional Leadership Development Program.

“Leadership in our regions is built on trust, shared purpose, and a deep connection to place. Become an inspired leader and join an active alumni network of nearly 80 local leaders creating genuine impact across our communities.”

Steve Shotton, CEO, RDA AHFKI

Shaping leaders through connection & insight

True leadership starts with self-discovery, trust, and shared purpose.

Moving far beyond standard workplace training, this six-month journey combines real-world skills with an inclusive, people-first approach. By bringing together diverse voices and life experiences, the program creates a collaborative space where everyone can build confidence and lead with heart.

Katrina Webb
NEWDAY LEADERSHIP

Matthew Wright-Simon
ENGAGE CHANGE

Designed and delivered in partnership with Newday Leadership, Engage Change, and expert facilitators, this program bypasses traditional corporate formulas. Instead, it offers an immersive, human-centered experience grounded in local culture, practical tools, and deep self-reflection.

“I have completed a number of leadership programs and found the Inspired Leadership program to be completely unique, covering elements of personal, professional and community development that have not been touched on by other programs.”

What makes Inspired Leadership unique?

Each of the six interactive days will be held in stunning locations from the region’s coasts, plains and hills. In addition to the in-person sessions, online check-in sessions will be available during the intervening fortnights and supported by a communal online chat group. Reading and background material is provided to support hands-on action learning.

The program cultivates skills across five leadership pillars:

• Global Insights, Regional Action: Translate broad ideas into tangible outcomes for our towns and businesses.
• Wellbeing & Personal Resilience: Build strategies to sustain your energy, purpose, and balance.
• Community & Social Responsibility: Lead with empathy and focus on what matters locally.
• Cultural Awareness & Connection: Ground your leadership in local history, knowledge, and respect.
• Diversity & Inclusion: Create environments where every voice and background is valued.

“It’s hard to put into words the invaluable impact the Inspired Leadership program has, not only on individuals, but on entire communities. I would absolutely recommend it to any colleague or friend in the region.”

Who should apply

If you’ve ever looked at our region and thought, ‘I want to help shape what comes next’, you’re exactly the person this program is for. Leadership is simply about showing up for your community – and when different experiences and voices come together, incredible things happen!

Our past participants have gone on to launch regional initiatives, champion social change and build lifelong connections during their six months together.

Eligibility:

While open to adults of all ages, applicants must be at least 18, not currently in school, and have a connection to the region through living, working, or volunteering. Indigenous applicants who know part of the region as home Country are encouraged to apply.

“Inspired Leadership has been one of the most transformative programs I’ve taken part in. The design, facilitation, and diversity of perspectives created an environment where real learning and reflection could occur. It’s not just a leadership course, for me it was a journey in self-awareness, wellbeing, collaboration, and purpose.”

What you’ll experience:

• Personalised leadership style insights: Uncover your unique strengths and leadership style through professional profiling and surveys
• Continuous growth: 12 months of access to curated wellbeing and learning resources
• Peer-to-peer network: connection with your cohort between sessions in a dedicated, supportive online space
• Nourishing experiences: locally sourced, sustainable food and drink during each regional gathering.

Key dates

Below are the scheduled program dates for 2026. Locations will be confirmed closer to the sessions, and minor date changes may occur.

Making your leadership journey accessible and affordable

Our transformative, six-month leadership program is valued at $7,000, however, thanks to the generous funding of the Regional Leadership Development Program (RLDP), your place in Inspired Leadership is just $700 (incl. GST).

A small number of bursaries will also be available to support eligible candidates.

APPLY TODAY!

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the Inspired Leadership program. Take the first step towards your leadership journey by completing the online application form (allow up to 45 minutes).

APPLICATIONS CLOSE:
FRIDAY | 21 AUG 2026

APPLY HERe →

“The amount of growth I experienced both professionally and personally was exponential.”

For more information, or to discuss if this program is suitable for you, please direct your queries to:

Matthew Wright-Simon

Co-Director
Inspired Leadership Program

EMAIL YOUR QUERY →

Mobile 0419 862 393 (SMS to arrange a call)

More about the Inspired Leadership program

The inaugural program was launched in June 2023 with Cedric Varcoe, who will be working with this year’s cohort of leaders.

This program is supported by the Government of South Australia through the Thriving Regions fund, Regional Leadership development Program.