RMIT hosts leadership program

The meeting began with a reflective practice workshop facilitated by Peter Lock, Chair of the Future Focus Group Alumni Association Advisory Group. Lock opened proceedings by asking participants “think back on all that has been undertaken and achieved” and “to congratulate yourselves on a job well done.”

At the final meeting of this cohort’s two-year leadership program, Future Focus Group members reflected back on their time working together to realise the outcomes they have achieved so far through the design, development and implementation of projects that aim to deliver sustainable positive impact on everyday life in Melbourne.

These include: Beyond Welcome, which offers international students opportunities to gain a greater sense of connection to Melbourne, and Pop up Melbourne, which links landowners with activators to activate spaces that would otherwise go unused.

The Future Focus Group were welcomed and introduced to RMIT by Professor Paul Gough, Pro-Vice Chancellor Design and Social Context and Vice-President.

Gough outlined RMIT’s vision for research, teaching and community through examples of current RMIT projects that are transforming everyday life in Melbourne.

"RMIT is very pleased to be so closely associated with Future Focus; our university plays a major part in the civic life of the city, and we were delighted to host this wonderful dinner in the inspirational surroundings of the Design Hub,” he said.

“I applaud all those who completed Future Focus 2015; it is a major achievement for all concerned."

This was followed by the current RMIT-nominated Future Focus Group members, Associate Professor Keely Macarow and Dr Tim Butcher briefly discussing their job roles.

Macarow discussed the breadth of her role as Deputy Head, Research and Innovation for the School of Art, and her international collaborative research.

Butcher, a Senior Lecturer in the School of Management, discussed his work on the ARC Discovery Indigenous research project: Wellbeing not Winning.

The Future Focus Group is a two-year leadership program designed to develop the leadership skills and commitment of Melbourne’s future corporate community leaders.

Members are nominated by senior executives of member organisations from a range of key Melbourne-based institutions.

They learn leadership skills and commitment through trans-disciplinary team-based projects self-designed to deliver a positive impact on everyday life in Melbourne.

Monthly events such as this one at the Design Hub facilitate the leadership program by offering its members exposure to organisational settings and networking opportunities they would not otherwise have.

RMIT is a member of the Committee for Melbourne, which provides leadership and advocacy on matters critical to the city’s economic and social wellbeing.

Story: Tim Butcher/ Keely Macarow