The Bowen Basin Women in Leadership Program is breaking down barriers and building confidence for women across regional Queensland, thanks to support from the Local Buying Foundation and Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays (RDA GW).
Developed off the back of a successful pilot program, the initiative was designed to address a critical issue identified by RDA GW, that women in regional and mining communities often hold themselves back from leadership roles due to self-doubt and a lack of confidence.
Project Manager Nic Willis said the program targeted these challenges head-on by combining practical skills development with personal growth tools.
“Our key goal is to increase self-awareness and work through the obstacles that prevent women from backing themselves. We aim to help them move past ‘Imposter Syndrome’ and start recognising and valuing their own strengths,” she said.
The program recently celebrated the graduation of 20 women representing industries from local government and mining to childcare and small business. Some were already in leadership positions, while others were aspiring leaders looking to step up.
Participants completed five one-day workshops, covering modules ranging from emotional intelligence, the superpowers of introverts and extroverts, and resilience building, to the art of listening and overcoming the ‘comparison trap’. They also took part in two masterclasses and received 12 months of personalised mentorship from a diverse pool of experienced leaders.
Nic said one of the most rewarding aspects of the program was hearing directly from participants about its impact.
“The standout moments are always when the women share how the program has changed the way they see themselves, how they lead, and how they interact with others.”
Participant Trudi Liekefett said the program had a profound personal and professional impact.
“It allowed me to find a great mentor match and an incredible group of women. It’s about finding that strong circle of friendship and female support because we are going through the same thing. We all get it and are cheering on each other’s successes.
“I have found that this program has had long reaching effects. Not just at work. I don’t have to fake my confidence anymore.”
A key feature of the program is the Clifton Strengths Assessment, which helps participants identify their top five strengths, providing insight into how these can be both assets and, at times, potential blind spots.
“This creates a foundation for self-awareness, which is crucial for leadership. Once participants understand where they naturally thrive, they can leverage these strengths in their careers, their teams, and in their communities,” Nic said.
Participant Juliet Garnett said she came into the program wanting to learn how to better engage with her team and create a positive work environment.
“I felt like I had a lot of the confidence, but I needed the words to say. By doing this program, I’ve been given the language on how to lead my team, how to express those words to everyone around me, and from learning those words, exactly what actions I should take to demonstrate my leadership.”
With the success of the Bowen Basin program and the earlier pilot, RDA GW has launched a new intake in Mackay, supported by funding from a major regional business. They are now actively seeking funding to deliver an additional two to three programs across Mackay and Isaac.
“Without the support of the Local Buying Foundation, none of this would be possible. Their investment has enabled us to create a sustainable program that’s already delivering real outcomes for women and, by extension, for the broader regional workforce,” Nic said.
“When women back themselves, they start applying for promotions and leadership opportunities. They also put boundaries in place where previously they might have accepted mistreatment. That confidence shift is powerful, not just for the individuals, but for the organisations and communities they work in.”
