ELGP 2025 Site Visits Day: Behind the Scenes of Impact

On Saturday, 12 April, our 2025 Emerging Leaders in Governance Program (ELGP) cohort participated in one of the program’s most eye-opening and energising sessions – Site Visits Day. This experience gives participants a rare, real-world glimpse into the internal operations of not-for-profit organisations.  

By visiting leading community service providers and speaking directly with those on the ground, our future board leaders gained invaluable insights into how governance intersects with purpose, impact, and day-to-day operations, and the practical experiences of leaders in the community sector. This experience is an important behind-the-scenes look of the inner workings, and the opportunity to gain an understanding of the realities faced by these organisations. 

First visit of the day was to Sexual Health Quarters (SHQ), a trailblazing organisation offering inclusive clinical care services specialising in the sexual and reproductive health space, and professional counselling services specialising in relationships and sexual heal issues. Hosted by Debra Barnes, CEO of SHQ, and David Isaacs, SHQ Executive Support and 2024 ELGP Alumni, participants gained valuable insights into how governance supports impactful service delivery and organisational integrity. 

Followed with a visit to Ruah Community Services, an integral community service provider offering wrap-around support across family services, mental health and wellness, housing and homelessness, and specialised legal services, hosted by Dr Ellie Tighe, Ruah Community Services Service Lead and 2021 ELGP Alumni. Our cohort also had the opportunity to experience the Karlup Service at Ruah Community Services, a healing and recovery space for women and their children impacted by family and domestic violence. This visit gave our participants a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in delivering integrated community services.  

The day wrapped up at Juniper Annesley Aged Care Residential Home, an aged care provider aimed at empowering all older Western Australians to hold onto their independence and identity through providing exceptional care, accommodation, and support services in communities Home and Community Care, Residential Aged Care, Transition Care, and Retirement Living. Our participants were welcomed by Krenz Inopiquez, Juniper Annesley Aged Care Residential Home Clinical Nurse Manager, and learned about the important relationship between governance and the delivery of high-quality care in aged care settings. 

Throughout the day, several themes emerged that will shape how our participants approach leadership and governance moving forward: 

✔ Purpose-driven leadership: Staff across all sites shared a deep commitment and passion to their work and the people they serve 

✔ The importance of co-design: From service delivery to the physical space 

✔ Funding challenges persist: Strategic thinking is essential to sustainability 

✔ Collaboration is key to success: Impact grows when organisations and boards work in partnership 

Our participants left feeling inspired, reflective, and empowered.  

This experience sparked important conversations within the cohort about how they, as future board members, can drive meaningful change, and the importance of strong governance in sustaining the community sector.  

We extend a heartfelt thank you to our generous community partners, Sexual Health Quarters, Ruah Community Services, and Juniper for welcoming us and sharing your powerful work with our emerging young leaders. Your willingness to host, engage, and mentor the next generation of governance leaders is the heartbeat of this program. We deeply value your ongoing support and commitment to sector leadership.  

Want to Make a Bigger Impact? 

If you are a community organisation that believes in diverse, future-focused governance, join us as a Community Partner here! Your involvement can help shape a more inclusive, innovative and connected community sector. 

To learn more about the ELGP, visit the Emerging Leaders in Governance Program (ELGP) webpage here.