Last week,
the Outlook Australia Operational Leadership Team (OLT) met in sunny Mackay, Queensland for the organisation’s annual leadership conference – three days of professional development, team building and shared learning.
Kicking off in Mackay
The event began with a tour of Refindit by Outlook – Mackay, followed by light-hearted merchandising and team-based activities to break the ice. For many people in the room, it was the first time meeting most of the wider team.
On day one, a quick show of hands revealed that many did not yet know everyone’s name. By the end of day three, that had certainly changed, with new connections and stronger relationships formed across states and sites.
Across the event, twenty OLT members each took three minutes to creatively introduce themselves, their role and what drives them. The purpose and passion in the room was clear and contagious, and highlighted the depth of leadership across Outlook’s social enterprise and community services.
Recognising our leaders
Four OLT members were recognised through Outlook’s annual leadership awards:
Community Champion: Alison Ryan, Community Centre Manager
Changemaker Award: Danielle Werner, Retail Development Manager
Safer Teams: Lydia Graffen, Contract Manager Gympie, QLD
Emerging Talent: Zoe Luscombe, Client Services Lead, NSW
These awards celebrate leaders who live Outlook’s values, drive positive change and help create safe, inclusive and high performing teams.
Learning, safety and impact
Over the three days, the group explored:
Psychosocial safety and how to create safe and supportive teams across Australia
Approaches for navigating difficult conversations
Outlook’s Impact Measurement Framework and how it can help track and grow our social and environmental outcomes
The program also included a lively Q&A session, with Chief Corporate and Strategy Officer, Adam, in the hot seat answering questions about strategy, leadership and Outlook’s future direction.
There was even time to celebrate two birthdays along the way, adding to the sense of connection and shared experience.
Site visits across the region
On the final day, the OLT divided into three groups to see more of Outlook’s work and local partnerships in action:
One group visited regional waste transfer sites in Mackay.
Another group spent time with local community services, including Mackay Neighbourhood Centre who runs a wide range of programs supporting migrants, individuals experiencing homelessness, and families needing additional assistance. The centre hosts a free community lunch every Wednesday, providing a warm meal and groceries at no cost. The Outlook OLT contingent was able to take part in the event, which was a wonderful experience. The two organisations also discussed the possibility of partnering with Refindit by Outlook in Mackay to help supply essential goods for participants who are working to get their lives back on track.
A third group travelled to Yeppoon to tour Outlook’s operations in the Livingstone Shire.
These visits helped leaders see first-hand the impact of Outlook’s work in local communities and the importance of strong relationships with partners and councils.
Thank you
A huge thank you to every member of the Operational Leadership Team for your enthusiasm, energy and willingness to step outside your comfort zone.
Events like this strengthen our shared commitment to an inclusive society for all and help ensure we are working together as One Outlook across Australia.
Until next year!