Team building in Kyneton

Kyneton was the destination for the 2-day mid year retreat, with a focus on teamwork and self-care for leaders.

Participants began the retreat with a series of challenging team activities out and about around Kyneton and surrounds, which were designed to put participants under pressure.  LMCLP Program Manager Lucy Mayes said the challenge was purposely made stressful for the participants as a way to highlight personal strengths and challenges in team situations.  “There is so much learning that we can take away from these sorts of activities which gives us insight into our blind spots, and how these might hinder our effectiveness in the teams and committees we are part of as volunteers and employees,” she said.

The activity also showcased some of the history and recreational attractions of Kyneton and surrounds.

After exploring Kyneton, the program moved to PGL Campaspe Downs where the rest of the weekend was spent attending presentations and workshops.  Topics addressed across the weekend included ‘purpose, values and visioning, time management, organisational skills, self-care for leaders and volunteers, team dynamics and leadership in a team environment.

Tim Adam from Seat of your Pants Consulting led participants in a workshop on the Sunday, addressing the specific health and wellbeing challenges of volunteers and community workers and exploring how these issues may be addressed, and Clare Fountain from Sorted4Life led an equally engaging and dynamic workshop devoted to time management and prioritising skills.

Since the 2017 LMCLP program was launched in February participants have visited more than 10 areas around the Loddon Murray district from Echuca to Swan Hill and Birchip to Kerrie.  During this time, they were also part of a three-day intensive program in Melbourne and will soon be part of a similarly intensive program in Canberra.  As well as more learning experiences, the recent mid-year Kyneton retreat offered program participants opportunities to reflect on their LMCLP journey to date and consider the direction and challenges they will pursue throughout the rest of the year and into the future.