A transformative leadership journey takes PNG students all the way to Australia
This year, Australian NGO, the Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF), supported 11 exceptional final-year tertiary students to undertake the Archer Leadership Development program including a transformative exchange trip to Australia. The Archer Leadership Development Program is now in its thirteenth year and seeks to find and foster the next generation of dedicated and passionate leaders for Papua New Guinea. The year-long, experiential leadership program includes mentoring by a senior leader, work experience placements in Australia and Papua New Guinea, support for tuition and boarding fees, an educational and professional development resource allowance, community projects, as well as the life-changing exchange program to Australia.
“I honestly discovered more about myself in 12 days than I did in the past four years at university. It's truly been a self-discovery journey that has taught me more about my leadership style, the importance of listening, being open-minded, seeing a bigger picture and the power I have to create an impact.” - Latifa Jonathan, studying a Bachelor of Law at UPNG.
The 2023 Archer Leaders are:
Courtneyella Dotson (Bachelor of Law, University of PNG)
Latifa Jonathan (Bachelor of Law, University of PNG)
Rodwaltaz Billy (Bachelor of Law, University of PNG)
Raymond Billy (Bachelor of Science, University of PNG)
Luther Temai (Medicine and Surgery, University of PNG)
Flare Namaliu (Executive Masters in Business Administration, University of PNG)
Herman Namora, Bachelor of Arts, University of PNG)
Julia Tubang (Bachelor of Arts, University of PNG)
Getta Kambar (Construction Management, University of Technology)
Houston Nen (Building and Construction Management, University of Technology)
Dianne Siweli Nason (Bachelor of Dentistry, University of PNG)
During the 12-day exchange to Australia, the Archer Leaders participated in a series of enriching experiences intended to enhance their education, broaden their cultural understanding, provide professional experience and foster invaluable networks.
One of the experiences that had a significant impact on the Archer Leaders was the opportunity to complete work experience at some of Australia’s leading companies and organisations. This experience developed knowledge, confidence, professional skills and vital contacts with experts at the top of their field. Additionally, through a work experience placement with Dentons, one of our Archer Leaders, Courtneyalla Dotson acquired a part-time job at the global law firm as she developed her network and leadership skills.
The Archer Leaders also participated in adaptive leadership workshops by Conversus Leaders, a personalised tour of NSW Parliament House hosted by Greens Member for Balmain, Kobi Shetty MP and former member, Jamie Parker, tailored work experience placements, meetings with key leaders from Government, private sector and the community sector, a visit to Channel 7 Hosted by Sharyn Ghidella and an immersion day that included visits to the Auburn Community Centre and the Street University in Western Sydney.
The exchange experience resonated with Dianne Siweli Nason who says, “To be honest, the experience we had was speechless. Words cannot describe it. We were away from home and we had to adjust to the new environment, it was a little struggle at first. It was very reflecting and insightful during the workshop. Thanks to Terri where we were able to understand ourselves better and identify our strengths and weakness and how to better work on our weaknesses and embrace our strengths so that we may practice good adaptive leadership. The program's planned were spectacular and we were able to have a 180-degree U-turn and have a change of perspective that is broader with an open mind.”
Raymond Billy, a 2023 Archer Leader completing a Bachelor of Sciences at the University of PNG stated, “My experience has been a rollercoaster of events. KTF really set out the program to really bring me out of my comfort zone. They also paid attention to the details of my career interest and allowed me to be exposed to people specific to those areas I was interested in. I was so overwhelmed by the wealth of knowledge on adaptive leadership and how I can be the smallest voice in the room but be the most effective one. I also learned that Leadership is transformational and it isn’t just static. The work placement allowed me to meet people of high social rank in my career area. Most of the time, I was pushed out of my comfort zone and I didn’t enjoy that, but then when the day was over, I reflected and said to myself: “I did that!” And it was followed with this feeling of confidence and satisfaction that I’d just done something I’m afraid of and it didn’t kill me. It taught me that growth is painful but it’s worth taking the 1% steps.”
Archer Leaders had the opportunity to engage with distinguished experts in their fields including Anna Madgwick, Director at Newcrest Sustainability Fund; Rachel Mason Nunn, Director at Equity Economics; Rory Butler, Associate Director at Avista Strategy; Helen Hamilton-James, Managing Partner at Deloitte Western Sydney; Ian Kemish AM, Chair KTF; and Mihai Sora, Director at Lowy Institute. Additionally, KTF also partnered with some of Australia's leading organisations to offer a two-day work experience to the Archer Leaders including Minter Ellison, Newcrest, Victorian Bar, Deloitte, AICD, Canadian High Commission, Partridge Engineers, Dentons and Ashurst.
Dr Genevieve Nelson, CEO of KTF, said “The exchange programme to Australia was transformational! We witnessed so many moments of “firsts”. First flights for some, first tram, train and ferry rides for others, first culinary experiences. But more importantly, the exchange focused on broadening perspectives, networks and experiences by introducing the young leaders to new people and organisations working innovatively on the frontline of some of society’s most challenging issues. We are so grateful to every individual and organisation who made the experience “one of a kind!”
This life-changing program would not be possible without the generous support from the Fred P. Archer Trust (via Perpetual Trustees), the Newcrest Sustainability Fund and Kina Bank. KTF would also like to express its gratitude to the numerous Australian organisations and individuals who played a pivotal role in providing invaluable learning and development opportunities, making this experience truly unforgettable for the Archer Leaders. KTF takes pride in supporting these young, dynamic leaders who are deeply committed to giving back to their communities and working towards the betterment of Papua New Guinea society.
“Personally, the exchange program has developed me to change my mindset and also broadened my understanding of the big world and how things are done differently. It has also helped me to learn and step outside of my comfort zone to do things which helped me identify myself, especially my strengths and weaknesses so that I can work more on my strengths and improve on my weaknesses. It has helped me personally to view things differently than I used to before and I now see myself as different and ready to make a change and difference for my country.” - Luther Temai, studying a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery