What the program includes

Bold Futures Reclaim runs from August to December 2026 and includes a blend of in-person learning, coaching, peer discussion and online connection to help participants stay engaged and keep applying what they learn.

Program structure

  • 6 workshops total
  • 2 in-person sessions in Melbourne CBD
    • Kick-off: 12 August 2026
    • Wrap session: 9 December 2026
  • 5 peer learning sessions
  • 2 x 1:1 coaching sessions with Liz Mackevicius
  • Gallup CliftonStrengths for every participant
  • Access to an online platform between sessions for connection, reflection prompts, shared resources, peer discussion and maintaining momentum between live sessions

The expected commitment is generally 1 to 2 hours per fortnight, alongside attendance at the scheduled sessions.

 

What participants will work on

The program is grounded in the real leadership challenges planners face now.

Topics may include:

  • understanding self, values and leadership style
  • making mindset shifts that support stronger leadership
  • clarifying leadership vision, motivation and purpose
  • building confidence and courage in stretched environments
  • navigating complexity without losing direction
  • having difficult conversations with more skill and steadiness
  • strengthening influence across teams and stakeholders
  • using strengths to lead more effectively
  • building evidence, insight and credibility
  • identifying brave action and tangible targets

Rather than focusing on theory alone, the program helps participants apply these ideas directly to their current role, context and leadership challenges. 

What participants will gain

Participants can expect to leave the program with:

  • greater clarity about their values, leadership style and strengths
  • stronger understanding of how they lead under pressure
  • practical tools for influence, communication and difficult conversations
  • more confidence to act with purpose in complex environments
  • clearer leadership vision and motivation
  • insight from peers working in similar local government conditions
  • stronger connection and accountability across the program
  • a clearer sense of what brave, tangible action looks like in their role

This is not about performing leadership. It is about building it in a way that is grounded, useful and sustainable.

 

What councils will gain

Councils that invest in participants for Bold Futures Reclaim can expect benefits such as:

  • more self-aware and capable planners stepping into leadership
  • stronger confidence and judgement in complex environments
  • improved communication and influence across teams and stakeholders
  • greater capacity to navigate change, pressure and competing demands
  • better retention and support of emerging and mid-level leaders
  • more connected staff who can learn from peers across the sector
  • practical development that translates into day-to-day leadership behaviour

This is a targeted investment in people who are often carrying significant responsibility and need structured support to lead well.

How peer learning works

A key part of Bold Futures Reclaim is the small group peer learning process.

These are 90-minute Zoom breakout-style discussions held between the main sessions. They are structured spaces where participants reflect on the previous session, reconnect to their goals, and apply the learning to a live project or leadership challenge.

Participants come prepared with updates, questions and real-world situations they are navigating. That might include a personal project, a team issue, a conversation they are avoiding, a decision they need to make, or reflection on what they have tried or noticed since the last session.

These groups are not performative. They are practical, generous working spaces where people can think out loud, test ideas, offer and receive support, and turn insight into action.

The focus is on:

  • honest reflection rather than polished answers
  • practical application in real council contexts
  • learning from others facing similar conditions
  • encouragement, challenge and perspective from peers
  • trust, accountability and follow-through over time

Coaches drop in as needed to support the conversation and help participants keep momentum.

For many participants, this is where the learning becomes real. It is where ideas are tested, confidence grows, and leadership shifts move from intention into practice.

Download the full program brochure

Program details

Program: Bold Futures Reclaim

Tagline: Lead with clarity and conviction  

Audience: Victorian Local Government planners across the built environment sector  

Dates: August to 9 December 2026  

Kick-off: 12 August 2026

Final wrap session: 9 December 2026  

Format: 6 workshops total, including 2 in-person sessions in Melbourne CBD  

Additional inclusions: 2 x 1:1 coaching sessions, Gallup CliftonStrengths, online platform access  

Cohort size: Maximum 20 participants

Places are capped to keep the experience focused, connected and genuinely useful for each participant.

 

Investment

$5,000 ex GST per participant

  • Category 1 Rural Councils receive a 10% discount.

This fee includes all workshops, in-person sessions, small group peer learning, 1:1 coaching, CliftonStrengths, and online platform access for the duration of the program.