SHAPING the future of leadership in ballarat

Sigrid Pitkin

Participating in Future Shapers has been a valuable learning experience that has broadened my understanding of both leadership and the Ballarat community.

One of the key highlights of the program was the connections I made. Through Future Shapers, I had the opportunity to meet people from sectors and industries that I would not ordinarily encounter in my day-to-day work as a Nurse Practitioner and academic. These connections gave me greater insight into what is happening across Ballarat, where there is growth, where there is need, and the many ways individuals and organisations are working to strengthen our community. I was often surprised by what I learned, and that exposure has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the program.

Before Future Shapers, I viewed leadership largely through the impact an individual could have. The program challenged that perspective and reinforced the importance of partnerships. While individuals can create change, the greatest impact is often achieved when people come together around shared goals. I gained a deeper appreciation for collaboration, recognising that many people across the community are working towards similar outcomes and that combining resources, skills and ideas can create a much stronger and more sustainable impact than working in isolation.

As part of my Community Leadership Pledge, I have committed to addressing youth loneliness and social connection, particularly among university-aged young people. Through my role at Australian Catholic University, we are establishing a community garden at the residential services precinct. The project will provide opportunities for university students and community members to come together to grow healthy food, but more importantly to grow connection, relationships and a sense of belonging. It is my hope that the garden will create meaningful opportunities for people to connect with others they may not otherwise meet, while also promoting healthy and sustainable living.

I would highly recommend the Future Shapers program to anyone who is passionate about making a positive contribution to their community. It has expanded my network, broadened my perspective and strengthened my belief in the power of collaboration to create meaningful change.

Anna Kingston

Six months after beginning the Future Shapers program, I am still reflecting on the impact it has had on my understanding of leadership and community.

One of my key learnings was that leadership is often found in places we do not immediately expect. Before starting the program, I assumed much of the learning would come from listening to senior leaders and CEOs talk about their experiences. Instead, Future Shapers encouraged us to observe, question and better understand the people, organisations and systems that help shape Ballarat. It felt like "lifting the bonnet" on the city and seeing what lies underneath. Through that process, I gained a deeper appreciation for the impact that everyday people can have in shaping the future of our community.

The program also challenged my views about leadership itself. While I still feel I have much more to learn, Future Shapers gave me permission to step into leadership conversations, even when I do not feel like I have all the answers. Rather than waiting until I hold a particular position or level of authority, I have learned to be more comfortable contributing ideas, asking questions and taking ownership of issues that matter to me. It reinforced that leadership is a journey of learning and participation, not simply a title.

My Community Leadership Pledge focuses on continuing the Ballarat Mums Supper Club, a project I started at the beginning of 2026. The initiative creates a welcoming, inclusive and non-judgemental space where mothers and their children can connect and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. For many new mothers, finding the confidence, time and opportunity to build social connections can be challenging. The Supper Club aims to remove those barriers and create opportunities for meaningful connection and support within the community.

Future Shapers has opened many doors of curiosity and encouraged me to think differently about where I can contribute. While I am still processing many of the lessons from the experience, I am grateful for the opportunity it provided. It has reinforced the value of lifelong learning, community connection and having the confidence to step forward, even while still figuring things out along the way.