The Leadership Illawarra Program 2023-2024 cohort prepares to celebrate its graduation at The Illawarra Connection’s final dinner event for the year. Photo: Brad Chilby Photography.
The Illawarra Connection’s final dinner meeting for the year not only celebrated the festive season but also the graduation of 25 of the region’s next generation of leaders.
The Leadership Illawarra Program (LIP) is a two-year program now in its 12th year. A collaboration between The Illawarra Connection (TIC), the University of Wollongong and RDA Illawarra Shoalhaven, the program has helped more than 120 aspiring leaders enhance their career capabilities, build strong connections and make meaningful contributions to the region.
The program provides business leaders as mentors and includes one-day master classes, Meet the Leader site visits to some of the region’s leading businesses, hands-on workshops and social events where participants can meet and network with partner organisations and alumni.
TIC’s end-of-year event on Tuesday (10 December) celebrated the achievements of the graduating 2023-2024 cohort and also announced two prestigious scholarship recipients.
Illawarra Academy of Sport CEO Salv Carmusciano received TIC’s scholarship for the next Leadership Illawarra Program intake, while graduate Mitchell Bell was awarded a scholarship for a Graduate Certificate at UOW’s Sydney Business School.
TIC president Graham Lancaster said the LIP highlighted the critical role of leadership development in the Illawarra and the significance of strong partnerships with organisations like RDA Illawarra Shoalhaven and the University of Wollongong.
“By investing in the education and development of our members, we have cultivated a new generation of skilled, motivated and visionary leaders poised to make a lasting impact on the future of the Illawarra,” he told the dinner guests.
Graham said Salv’s application resonated with the scholarship committee in a number of ways.
“Illawarra Academy of Sport’s work goes beyond fostering future sporting stars – they focus on developing the whole athlete, equipping them with skills and attributes that set them up for a lifetime of success – which has a flow-on effect to the community as a whole,” he said.
Salv is one of five Illawarra business leaders to be awarded scholarships to the 2025-2026 Leadership Illawarra Program.
A record 38 applications were received for the program, with scholarships also awarded to Alexandria Reed, IRT Group; Gabrielle Voller, Asuria Australia; Sam Barlow, GHD (RDA Illawarra Shoalhaven recipients) and Loreto Medina from Healthy Cities Illawarra (Sydney Business School, University of Wollongong recipient).
Loreto said she hoped to leverage the program’s opportunities to contribute to a thriving local economy.
“My vision is to see Wollongong and the Illawarra recognised globally as a vibrant, sustainable, and innovative place to live and work,” she said.
“The region has the potential to attract world-class employers and create opportunities for businesses and individuals to flourish, supported by the exceptional talent pipeline from the University of Wollongong.”
RDA Illawarra Shoalhaven chair Mark McKenzie said the calibre of applicants to the LIP continued to demonstrate the Illawarra’s commitment to nurturing visionary leadership.
“For more than a decade, the Leadership Illawarra Program has built a reputation for producing forward-thinking leaders dedicated to the region’s future,” he said.
“This year, we received a record 38 applications for scholarships, reflecting both the program’s growth and the exceptional calibre of talent in the Illawarra.
“A strong, progressive Illawarra relies on diverse voices and innovative ideas, and this program equips participants with the tools, connections, and insights to make a lasting impact across the community and beyond.”
Mitchell, a business development manager at Select Civil, plans to start his study at the Sydney Business School next year and said he was honoured to receive the scholarship.
Graham said Mitchell’s dedication during the leadership program and his alignment with The Illawarra Connection’s vision made him an excellent choice.
“Through our scholarship programs, we have not only provided financial support but have also offered a platform for networking, mentorship and personal growth,” he said.
“By investing in the education and advancement of our members, The Illawarra Connection has paved the way for a new generation of skilled, motivated, and visionary leaders who are poised to make a lasting impact on the Illawarra’s future.”
The Illawarra Connection is the region’s leading business networking organisation. Through six black-tie dinner events annually, it brings together leaders from various industries to foster collaboration, share insights, and celebrate the achievements of individuals and organisations contributing to the growth of the Illawarra.
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