Signature Leadership Program 2026 Southern Field Trip

The Leadership WA Signature Leadership Program is designed to go beyond traditional leadership development.

It is about creating opportunities for Participants to experience leadership, industry and community firsthand through immersive learning, meaningful conversations and access to leaders and organisations shaping Western Australia’s future.

Last week, our 2026 Signature Leadership Program cohort travelled across regional Western Australia for their Southern Field Trip, spending three days connecting with leaders across emergency management, agriculture, education, regional development, economic growth and industry innovation.

The field trip began at Bindjareb Park in Pinjarra, where Karrie-Anne Kearing, Traditional Owner, Keeper of Knowledge and Director at Bindjareb Park, guided the cohort through the site’s cultural, historical and emotional significance.

Participants were given a powerful insight into the events of the Pinjarra Massacre and the lasting impact it continues to have on community, truth-telling and reconciliation. The experience created moments of deep reflection and learning, alongside conversations about Country, the six Noongar seasons and cultural practices.

The morning concluded with a cleansing smoke ceremony, offering an opportunity for reflection and connection following the stories shared throughout the experience.

The cohort then visited the DFES Bushfire Centre of Excellence, where discussions focused on leadership, collaboration and cultural fire practices.

Participants heard from:

• Peter Galvin, Assistant Director, Bushfire Knowledge
• David Windsor, Cultural Fire and Partnerships Coordinator
• Dee-Anne Salmon, Cultural Fire Support Officer
• Craig Garrett, Superintendent Training, Bushfire Centre of Excellence, Rural Fire Division
• Russell Wells, Deputy Director Emergency Management

The session highlighted the importance of cross-sector partnerships, knowledge sharing and preparedness in emergency management.

At Capel Marron Farm, the cohort explored aquaculture innovation, sustainable food systems and regional enterprise with Managing Director Jordan Parker and Co-owner and Operator Scott Bell. Participants gained firsthand insight into marron farming and processing, including learning about the rare blue marron, which occur due to recessive genetics and are far less common than the more typical dark brown or black marron native to Western Australia.

The visit was a standout experience for many Participants, who were inspired by Jordan and Scott’s journey building the business following COVID-19, as well as the scale, innovation and vision behind the farm and newly opened restaurant.

Day two of the field trip focused on regional leadership, economic development and education.

At Bunbury Municipal Council, the cohort heard from Gary Hallsworth, CEO of AQWEST, alongside Agriculture Panel speakers and current Participants Bindi Murray and Ruth Young on topics including water security, agriculture and leadership within regional industries.

The visit to SEDA College WA, hosted by Principal and current Participant Rocky Collins, provided valuable insights into education, engagement and creating pathways for young people.

Conversations continued at the Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce & Industry, where Sean McKeown, CEO of Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and Cate Brooks, CEO of the South West Development Commission, shared perspectives on economic development, collaboration and leadership across the South West region.

The evening brought the cohort together for leadership insights and conversation with Leadership WA Alumnus Alan Ferris (Signature 2005), CEO of the City of Bunbury. A fitting way to spend the second and final evening of the field trip, Alan shared reflections on his leadership journey before engaging in a Q&A session and connecting with Participants throughout the evening.

The final day included visits to Harvey College of Agriculture and the CBH Metro Grains Facility, where David Paton, Head of Operations at CBH, provided our cohort with firsthand insight into large-scale supply chains, grain operations and the future of regional industry in Western Australia.

The Southern Field Trip is one of many immersive experiences that form part of the Signature Leadership Program, helping Participants build broader perspectives, stronger networks and a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges shaping Western Australia.

These experiences are made possible through the strength of Leadership WA’s partnerships and the generosity of the organisations, speakers and hosts who share their time, expertise and perspectives with Participants.

 

Acknowledgements

We thank our Signature Leadership Program regional partners and supporters, including the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, CBH Group, Department of Fire and Emergency Services and TransWA, for supporting this immersive regional learning experience.

Thank you to our venue hosts: Bindjareb Park, DFES Bushfire Centre of Excellence, Capel Marron Farm, Bunbury Municipal Council, SEDA College WA, Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Harvey College of Agriculture and CBH Metro Grains Facility.

We also extend our sincere thanks to our scholarship sponsors: CBH Group, Grower Group Alliance, Lotterywest and the Department of Communities.