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Balancing Purpose with Practice: Duan’s Governance Journey
With a professional background in law and industrial relations, Duan Thakhoda is no strange to balancing competing priorities. A 2024 Summer ELGP graduate and current Board Member of Astley Care, Duan brings a passion for people and purpose to everything she does. Alongside her board service at Astley Care, she juggles two jobs, sits on two committees, […]
Your First Seat at the Table: Five Lessons for New Board Members
Joining your first Board is an exciting milestone. After months of learning, reflection and growth through the Emerging Leaders in Governance Program (ELGP), many graduates are now taking the next step in their governance journey – applying for Board roles, joining advisory committees, or commencing Board traineeships. While every governance journey is unique, there are some lessons that consistently emerge from experienced Directors, chairs, CEOs […]
The 2026 ELGP Journey: Building Confident, Future-Focused Governance Leaders
The 2026 Emerging Leaders in Governance Program (ELGP) has officially wrapped for 2026, with a final reflection session bringing together a cohort that has spent the past four months immersed in one of the program’s most impactful journeys to date. From the outset, this year’s cohort committed to stepping outside their comfort zones – engaging […]
Celebrating the Class of 2026!
On Wednesday 13 May, we came together to celebrate a milestone moment for the 2026 Emerging Leaders in Governance Program (ELGP) cohort – this event marked the completion of four months of learning, challenges, connection and growth, and recognised a group of emerging leaders ready to step confidently into governance across the community sector. […]
Leading Beyond the Whistle: Tatiana’s Impact in Sport Governance
For Tatiana, sport has always been more than competition – it’s been a powerful platform for connection, confidence and change. Today, that belief is shaping her leadership journey as a Board Member of the Mandurah Volleyball Association and a Member of the Inclusion Sub-Committee at Volleyball WA. Deeply involved in Sitting Volleyball at both state […]
A Big Week in ELGP: Connection, Insight and Governance in Action
It was a standout week for our 2026 Emerging Leaders in Governance Program (ELGP) cohort, bringing together two of the program’s most impactful experiences: our annual Networking Night and the much-anticipated Site Visits Day. Together, these moments moved learning beyond the classroom – immersing participants in real conversations, real organisations and real governance in action. […]
ELGP 2026 Leadership Retreat: Reflection, Connection and Growth
One of the most transformative experiences in the ELGP is the annual Leadership Retreat – a dedicated opportunity for participants to pause, reflect and deepen their leadership capabilities. For the 2026 cohort, the retreat offered a powerful weekend of connection, self-discovery and personal growth. Stepping away from day-to-day responsibilities allowed participants to focus on […]
Our 2026 ELGP has officially launched!
The Emerging Leaders in Governance Program (ELGP) officially welcomed its 2026 cohort with an energising Breakfast Launch on 4 February 2026, proudly hosted by community partner Uniting WA. The morning marked the beginning of a powerful year ahead, bringing together emerging leaders, alumni, community partners and sector champions to connect, share insights, and celebrate the next […]
Meet the 2026 ELGP Cohort: Our Next Generation of Board-Ready Leaders
In our 14th year of the Emerging Leaders in Governance Program (ELGP), we are thrilled to introduce the remarkable leaders who make up our 2026 cohort. Each year, this program is made possible through the generous financial and in-kind support of our Community Partners, whose commitment ensure we can continue building strong, diverse and future-focused governance […]
Young Leaders Who Stepped Up in 2025: A Round-Up of Governance Wins
As 2025 comes to a close, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the success of the young leaders who make up our ELGP community. This year has been one of bold steps, new responsibilities, and meaningful contributions across Western Australia’s not-for-profit and community sectors. From first-time Board appointments to new career opportunities, our alumni continue to […]
10 of the Top Skills Modern NFP Boards are Looking for (and How to Build them)
As the world changes faster than ever, the role of a Board Member is evolving right along with it. From digital transformation and social responsibility to shifting stakeholder expectations, today’s Boards need more than experience, they need adaptability, insight and purpose-driven leadership. If you’re aspiring to step into a Board position (or already serving […]
From Rural Beginnings to the Boardroom: Alanna’s Journey to Purpose-Driven Governance
Alanna Lofthouse is a senior lawyer with significant experience across the social services and healthcare sectors. She graduated from UWA with degrees in Law and Political Science before beginning her career at an international law firm in Perth and Sydney, where she specialised in social services and infrastructure. Drawn to purpose-driven work, Alanna went on […]

















































