Greater Shepparton Early Years Project Manager, Donna Baldwin, is pictured (above left) along with GSCC CEO, Fiona Le Gassick and GSCC Mayor, Cr Shane Sali.
More than 1200 delegates and 80 exhibitors attended the four-day conference at the National Exhibition Centre. A highlight was undoubtedly being in the audience when Australia’s newly sworn in Governor General Sam Mostyn appeared at her first public appearance and delivered her first public speech on the opening morning. Ms Mostyn spoke humbly about the honour to be appointed Governor General and declared that her term of office would be informed by her personal mantra: ‘care, kindness and respect’.
Later in the week, Love Your Sister co-founder and Gold Logie winner Sam Johnson, reflected on his experience, that developing and connecting community reaps rewards in personal and professional endeavour. Many will remember Sam as the man who unicycled around Australia in 2013-14 and raised $1.5 million for cancer research. Since then, Sam and ‘The Village’ have raised almost $20 million and made significant contributions to the development of ‘precision medical’ treatment that allows individual cancers to be better targeted. Sam’s message echoes the work we are doing at WCA: when we strengthen individuals, community also benefits.
Friday Morning saw PM Anthony Albanese and other Federal Ministers attend to discuss issues as broad and varied as Environment, Sustainability, Immigration, Education and Renewable Energy. Attendees were invited to ask questions from the floor sparking rich and valuable conversations.
“But more than anything,” Donna said, “it was great to meet so many councillors and CEO’s eager to deliver improved services for their respective communities. I learnt a lot about early years services across Australia and many councils are facing the challenges of labour force insecurity and the shortage of skilled workers. There appears to be many opportunities for WomenCAN Australia to collaborate in spaces across Victoria and strengthen community outcomes.”
Coincidentally, Interim CEO Ann Smith (left) was in Canberra for other reasons, so Donna and Ann caught up briefly. They snapped this photo to share with the team.
