With plans for the 2011 Southern Regions Community Forum wellalong, Manjimup tour de Force
Bronya Wickland pays tribute to the Southern Regions Community
Leadership group who enabled her to boost her confidence and
understanding, broaden her network and really contribute meaningfully to
her community.
Bronya says “At first I didn’t feel of any value to the group, being younger and less of a wise owl. Over time with the groups support and
encouragement this changed. What Southern Regions Community Leadership has given me is above
all the most amazing opportunity to meet the wackiest bunch ever, who I proudly call my friends.
They are an enthusiastic resource and energetic team. They are generous with their time and travel
100s of kilometres once a month to bring a deserving community an event which remains true to the
original vision. Which, is putting on a grass roots, keeping it real Forum. It has improved my
confidence, knowledge and grounding for doing great work in my community.”
Bronya was sponsored to do the state wide Community Leadership Taskforce in 2000 (Rural
Leadership Program) by the Shire of Donnybrook Balingup and so began a journey of self
development that has enabled her to take on roles beyond her dreams. Filled with confidence and
encouragement, Bronya was offered many opportunities that included the role of Master of
Ceremonies for a few Forums. Because of these experiences she now speaks in front of people
naturally.
Bronya looks back in amazement when she sees how far she has come after being given the
responsibility to coordinate a couple of forums. “Where can you get the chance to do that? If you
knew how wacky I am, that’s trust! “
To Bronya the experience of being completely accepted by the group for who she was, gave her the
courage to try new things.
“They don’t judge me, the group just lets me be. I have never felt that comfortable anywhere, ever.
I felt I had permission to share parts of the Bronya, where with other groups I wouldn’t dare......this
has helped me to grow as a person and to recognise the need to create space for others, so they can
have their journey too. Which is part of who I am now and I for it, I will be forever grateful”.
From the experience and professional networks made, Bronya now works in a variety of community
development roles in the Warren Blackwood Region and has started her own community
development consultancy.
Now in its seventh year, this years Forum “Honouring Diversity through Community Leadership”
will be held in Balingup , Thursday 20 and Friday 21 of October 2011. The exciting and informative
workshops, facilitators and international keynote speaker Glenn Capelli ensures this is an event not
to be missed. Anyone who is passionate about their community is encouraged to attend. The
Forum would like to thank the generous sponsors including Lotterywest who subsidise community
members registration. For more information and the program visit
www.communityleadership.com.au, for queries contact Forum coordinator, Jackie Massey on
0407382527 Media Contact Heather Walford 0428302370 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it