Real Connections, Real Impact: Highlights from the 2025 ELGP Networking Night

It was another incredible evening for our 2025 Emerging Leaders in Governance Program (ELGP) cohort, as they participated in a night filled with dynamic conversations, valuable connections, and fresh perspectives at this year’s Networking Night, held at SwanCare Bentley Park on Wednesday, 9 April 2025. 

This event is all about building meaningful connections. It brings together our 2025 ELGP cohort, ELGP Alumni, EYLACCB Community Partners, and special guests across the not-for-profit and community sector to network, share insights and open doors to exciting Board opportunities.  

From the moment our guests arrived, the atmosphere was alive with inspiring conversation and connection. This event provided the opportunity to meet this year’s emerging leaders, reconnect with past participants, and promote upcoming board vacancies – all with the goal of collaboration and growth. 

ELGP Project Facilitator Alicia Curtis opened the evening with powerful reflections on the importance of networking and connecting. Alicia highlighted the wealth of experience in the room, from long-standing Community Partner representatives to ELGP Alumni who are now serving on a variety of Boards across the Community sector.  

Guests were also welcomed by Paul Grzelec, Acting CEO and General Manager of Growth and Support Services at SwanCare, who gave an update on the progress of the Waminda Refurbishment Project – an initiative that has been driven by SwanCare’s Board that is already creating a lasting impact for the community.  

One of the evening’s highlights was a valued address by Margaret Doherty, Founder and Chairperson of Mental Health Matters 2 (MHM2). Margaret spoke about the organisation’s powerful purpose and shared a unique Board opportunity – MHM2 is currently recruiting for a Treasurer to join their board.  

To learn more, visit https://mentalhealthmatters2.com.au or reach out directly to Margaret at mentalhealthmatters2@gmail.com.  

Throughout the night, we caught up with many ELGP alumni, hearing firsthand how their board journeys have evolved since graduating. Their advice, stories and support provided invaluable insight to our current cohort and demonstrated the lasting impact of ELGP connections. 

A heartfelt thank you goes to Swancare for hosting this event in their impressively building and ‘The Club’ facility. Your continued support is invaluable in helping us grow emerging leaders and strengthening governance across the Community Sector. 

We also thank every Community Partner representative and ELGP Alumni who joined us this evening. We are so grateful for the support, encouragement, and opportunities your bring to our ELGP cohorts.  

Ready to be a part of something bigger? 

Whether you’re looking to step into leadership, connect with changemakers, or support diverse and dynamic boards – ELGP is where it starts.  

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