Connect Networking has arranged a variety of events/activities for its members. A snapshot of some of the events follows:
My Story: A Day in the Life of Federal Politician The Honourable Catherine King was a fascinating speaker. For a woman who described herself as incredibly shy at school, she was both forthcoming and forthright in her talk. Topics ranged from her upbringing and the clear family voices in her head guiding her, to juggling family life with community and politics, to the intense stress of fronting ABC Television’s Q&A cameras and journos, to the need to keep learning, to keep challenging and testing herself. Catherine was inspirational, approachable and real, as proved by the unusually high number of questions from members. Simon Monk, GM of the Mercure Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre, provided an update on the revitalised facilities and other plans for the site.
Changing Role of the Office Professional Over the past ten years or so, developing and changing office and social technology have had a huge impact on the role of Executive Assistants, Personal Assistants and Office Professionals and their relationship with their Managers or CEOs. Organisational change consultant, Julie Warnock, discussed ways EAs/PAs/Office Professionals can develop new or changed skill sets, identify new organisational roles in the context of technical changes, and continue to maximise their contribution to the business.
In the Swim Connect Networking members ‘got in the swim’, ‘took a dip’, and ‘jumped in the deep end’ and generally ‘had fun at the YMCA’ before it had even opened. Connect appreciated the opportunity to tour the nearly completed 50m pool at the Ballarat & Aquatic Lifestyle Centre (BALC) in Gillies Street. Donning appropriate safety gear, members were guided through a working building site by Scott Hunt, Nicholson Construction’s project foreman. From specialty water treatment, to air exchange, pool tiling, and the pool separation boom, Scott provided plenty of interesting information and dealt with many questions from interested Connect members. The tour was followed by a presentation from YMCA’s CEO, Colin Hunt, who outlined the history of the organisation both worldwide and in Australia, as well as its plans for the future. His enthusiasm shone through, as did that of each of his team members who provided information on the facilities and programs available at BALC.
Social Media Brave new world This session took us into the wonderful world of social media. We all know about Facebook, youtube, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter for our personal interests, but do we really know how they can help to promote our business, and what do we promote on which platform? Averill Deans, the Social Media Coordinator at Federation University, helped us to make some sense out of it all and why even those of us who were born before 1970 should get on board and embrace all this new technology. Millennials, memes, HootSuite and hashtags. Oh yes, it’s all clear now…
Event Management The WOW Factor The Event Management session was presented by Shiree Pilkinton of Pilkinton Productions. It was fascinating to hear about Shiree’s experience in Australia and overseas running events and festivals. As with all events, whether large or small, planning and preparation are the keys to success and Shiree took the group through tips for managing events, and some pitfalls to be aware of. No matter what the event, always aim to have a ‘WOW’ factor.
Unshakeable at Work: Working with Interesting People! Sue Anderson provided a stimulating session for Connect at its December 2020 function. Members left with strategies to deal with interesting people in the work place and to feel more empowered to choose how to respond to colleagues and situations.