Ellen Jackson brings her positive approach to LBWR lead role

Ms Jackson had been having those "COVID reflections" on what she might do to give back to the community a little more and test herself in the process.

The seasoned workplace psychologist and podcaster's passion in helping people to flourish and be their best selves "dovetailed" into her new role with Leadership Ballarat and Western Region program lead.

Ms Jackson steps up to the helm of the LBWR Leaders' Forum mid-way through a disrupted program as its adjusts back from a wholly online format to a multi-modal approach amid the pandemic. She said while this could be a frustrating time for participants, she found many open to exciting new possibilities for learning.

In her first program day, LBWR tapped into alumni and committee members for their expertise in exploring issues of family violence. The new online opportunities also allowed for a session to tap into remote experts, like investigative journalist and author Jess Hill, while previous programs had focused on face-to-face sessions with community leaders.

"There's two parts in looking at this: how LBWR rolls out this year and beyond. What opportunities are there to bring in experts from across Australia and even the world?" Ms Jackson said.

"Our goal is to start collaborating with other leadership programs. For example, we could use a chance to reach 300 participants then to access, for example, a senior politician. That's a compelling proposition for them and broadens what we could offer."

LBWR draws about 30 emerging leaders from a broad cross-section of the community for an immersive program in professional and personal development.

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Ms Jackson was introduced to the program as an expert panelist on mental health the past two years. The concept for LBWR really resonated with her. To lead the forum was not a role Ms Jackson had been looking for, rather she said it found her.

Despite the unknowns and extra challenges in the pandemic, LBWR seemed to fit the work Ms Jackson was doing and a growing need to get more involved in the community her family had called home for more than seven years.

"We feel part of the community now," Ms Jackson said. I grew up in Melbourne and lived in Sydney and don't think I've ever felt a sense of community as I do here....This is a way I can give back."

LBWR Leaders Forum, which sits under Committee for Ballarat, is continuing to adjust program themes and experiences for participants amid dynamic COVID-19 restrictions.

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