20th Anniversary Gala Dinner | Celebrating 20 Years of Impact and Achievement

20 years ago, Dr Walter (Wally) Cox, along with fellow senior leaders in WA identified a necessity for Leadership Development Programs for Western Australia. Since 2004, Leadership WA has continued to fulfill that need by driving a vision of courageous leadership, to shape a better WA.

We believe in the power of stronger communities by enhancing the skills of capable leaders and collaborative social impact initiatives.

On 7 March 2024, we welcomed Alumni, LeadAbility graduates, special guests, including past CEOs and Board Members, our partners and the current Board, to our 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner, held at Fraser’s State Reception Centre, King’s Park. It was a memorable celebration of 20 years of impact and achievement in the Western Australian community.

After kicking-off with drinks on the lawn, where guests mingled, caught up with friends and reminisced about their Leadership WA journeys, formalities commenced with a warm welcome from host Dominique Mecoy OAM, Leadership WA CEO. Professor Colleen Hayward AM, Leadership WA’s 2015 Honorary Fellow and Co-Director at Danjoo Koorliny, then delivered a heartfelt Welcome to Country.

Guests heard from His Excellency the Honourable Christopher Dawson AC APM, the Governor of Western Australia and Patron of Leadership WA, who attended with his wife and Leadership WA Co-Patron, Mrs Darrilyn Dawson. The Governor praised Leadership WA for 20 years of achievements for and by our connected community. He highlighted the value our Programs, Courses and Alumni have in providing opportunities for leaders to demonstrate and grow their own courageous leadership, thereby supporting and strengthening our State.

The night was filled with celebration and moments to reflect on the collective achievements of the past 20 years. Dominique Mecoy, highlighted inspiring moments in her speech, paying tribute to two decades of speakers who challenged our thinking, and the unique connection we all share – being part of the Leadership WA experience.

Celebrations continued when the 2023 Distinguished Fellowship Award was formally presented to Brodie McCulloch (Signature 2016), Founder and Managing Director of Spacecubed and the 2023 Honorary Fellowship Award to Mark Glasson, CEO of Anglicare WA. Brodie praised his experiences of the Signature Leadership Program and highlighted the importance of scholarships in supporting candidates to undertake the Program, as it did him, and how grateful he was to have had the opportunity.

When Mark spoke, he expressed gratitude for his award and the value of his interactions with Leadership WA. He also reflected on his work with Anglicare WA, which supports people-in-need and urged leaders to ‘be present in our communities’.

Following the Awards Ceremony, formalities concluded, and guests were invited to ‘get the party started!’.

They enjoyed a bespoke photo booth (complete with props!) and took to the dance floor with live music performed by local WA band, VIVID. It was a wonderful way to end a night of celebrating the achievements of our Leadership WA Community.

Leadership WA would not have made it to 20 years without the ongoing support of our Alumni and Community of Practice Members – thank you for your unfaltering dedication and commitment to forging a better WA.

Many thanks to Craig Musson (Signature 2004) and WAFEX for generously organising the floral arrangements, to our Partners and Scholarship Sponsors and to our many speakers, coaches and advocates for your enduring support and contributions. We couldn’t do what we do without you.

Thanks to everyone who attended our 20th Anniversary celebration. We look forward to seeing what the next 20 years brings!

Head to the highlights section on our Instagram page to look back on the snaphsots of the evening and view our photo album via our Facebook page.