The MENTORS

Andrew Gee MP

Phil Donato MP

Christine Weston

Genya Miller

Philip Dodds

Pip Brett

Julia Andrews

Kate Lorimer-Ward

Reg Kidd

Gabriel Franklyn

The STUDENTS

Abigail Thew

Blair Bella

Bridget May

Claire Wright

Ethan Mackay

Isaiah King

Jess Mosley

Joe Spencer

Mackenzie Jones

Savannah Dening

The TEN4TEN mentors and students gathered at Hive Orange for breakfast to mark the end of their journey in the program.

Over the past six months the students from Orange, Canowindra and Molong have been mentored by ten fantastic leaders from various sectors of the community.  Despite the challenges everyone has faced this year due to COVID-19, the enthusiasm and engagement from the students and mentors has been impressive and inspiring.

Thank you to the mentors who have been involved in the first year of the TEN4TEN Leadership Dialogue and given up their time, provided support and advice and imparted their expertise and insights to the first cohort of students.

To the students – well done on being selected for the program, but also for displaying exemplary leadership skills and making the most of the experience.

TEN4TEN has provided a window into the countless opportunities that are available in regional NSW and the future of the Central West is bright, and in good hands!

Just weeks after the official opening, the TEN4TEN students toured the new Department of Primary Industries building in Orange with Mentor and Deputy Director General – Agriculture, Kate Lorimer-Ward.

Kate was joined by Executive Assistant, Penny Callow; Schools Program Officer, Megs Dunford; Veterinary Officer, Animal Welfare, Jannene Geoghegan and Senior Policy Officer, Oliver Perrottet.

The students enjoyed hearing about the different career opportunities available through the Department of Primary Industries and the work the department is conducting across the state.

It was another great  opportunity to showcase the different career paths on offer at the DPI, but also the strong and inspiring future of the agricultural industry in regional New South Wales.

The students participating in the TEN4TEN Leadership Dialogue took part in a special lunch organised at Hive Orange with Federal Member for Calare, Andrew Gee MP.

The lunch was organised as the previously planned trip to Australian Parliament House was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. Despite the change to the program, the lunch at Hive Orange was a great success and it was great that the students could meet with Mr Gee and learn about his career journey. Mr Gee not only offered an insight into the political world, but also shared the lessons he has learnt along the way and what he would tell his 17 year old self. He also encouraged the students to just have a go and follow their passion so it was fitting that the lunch was held at Hive Orange where some amazing things are happening.

For the students it was their first time visiting the Hive and following a tour from Prue Swain and lunch with Mr Gee, they walked away from the event feeling inspired about the possibilities available in the Central West!

Orange City Council welcomed the Year 11 students taking part in the TEN4TEN Leadership Dialogue for an afternoon tea and to showcase the different aspects of local government.

Mayor, and one of the TEN4TEN mentors Reg Kidd, along with the other council executives, provided an overview of the workings of council and shared their personal career stories.  The students learned about the different areas of local government from communications and media, engineering and what’s involved in the day to day operations.  The council executives each spoke about the road that led them to their current position and the lessons they have learnt along the way.

We would like to thank Mayor Reg Kidd, CEO Dave Waddell, Technical Services Director, Community Recreation and Cultural Services Director Scott Maunder and Corporate and Commercial Services Acting Director Nick Redmond for their generous support and for hosting the TEN4TEN students.

Philip Dodds, CEO of Phocas

Philip is the CEO Director/owner of Phocas, a fast-growing software engineering and business intelligence firm with head office located in Orange. Phocas exports software, completely developed in Orange, NSW to customers world-wide.

As one of the TEN4TEN mentors we asked Phil “what does leadership mean to you?”

Julia Andrews, Director of External Engagement at Charles Sturt University Bathurst and Orange Campuses

Julia has worked in local government, economic development, regional advocacy, project management, media, tourism and the wine industry in Central West NSW for over 20 years and has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and experience which she is keen to share.

As one of the TEN4TEN mentors we asked Julia what advice she has around managing let downs and dealing with pressure?

Phil Donato, State Member for Orange

Phil was previously a police prosecutor for some 16 years and has been an active member of our community for over 15 years. Phil was elected as our local State MP in 2016 and re-elected last year

Elected member for Orange in 2016, the former police prosecutor is now an advocate for the Orange region in the NSW Parliament.

As one of the TEN4TEN mentors we ask Phil “What is the one thing you would tell your younger self about life with the benefit of experience?”

Christine Weston, Chair of RDA Central West

Christine is an accomplished Direct Marketing Executive with 20 years international experience working in Australia, New Zealand, UK, Germany and throughout Asia Pacific.

Christine has been involved with Boards for over 10 years in both the not-for-profit and community sector and is currently the Chair of RDA Central West. She was also awarded NSW Woman of the Year in 2010 for her dedication to regional development, community and tourism.

As one of the TEN4TEN mentors we asked Christine “Why is it important to have a mentor throughout your career?”

Kate Lorimer-Ward, Deputy Director General at Department of Primary Industries

Kate Lorimer-Ward was born into a farming family and wanted to be a farmer. She eventually went on to the University of Sydney and started studying Economics and Psychology, leaving with a Bachelor of Arts double majoring in physical and social geographies. Now she is the Deputy Director General of the Department of Primary Industries Agriculture in Orange, NSW.

As one of the TEN4TEN mentors Kate was asked “Did you have a role model at school, and what advice did they give?”

Andrew Gee, Federal Member for Calare, Minister for Decentralisation and Regional Education, and Minister Assisting the Trade and Investment Minister

A former barrister, Andrew started his political journey in 2011 when he became the Member for Orange. In 2016 he was elected to the House of Representatives, for the seat of Calare.

Andrew is proud of his achievements for the people he represents,  including 24 hour helicopter rescue services for the Central West; a new hospital for the town of Gulgong; a new medical school for Charles Stuart University; funding for a new road link between Orange and Mudgee; and increased access to radiotherapy services for country cancer patients – Andrew himself is a stage 3 melanoma survivor.

As one of the TEN4TEN mentors we asked Andrew about time management – especially in the senior years at school.

Pip Brett, Owner of Jumbled and Iglou (The Sonic)

Pip Brett is the owner of homewares store JUMBLED and clothing store iglou. Located within The Sonic, both stores operate as a bricks and mortar and e-commerce store with a large online presence. Pip Brett has taken the traditional business model to the next level by introducing events and travel tours and is excited to have the opportunity to motivate and encourage younger community members as they near the end of their schooling.

As one of the TEN4TEN mentors we asked Pip “What has been the biggest challenge of being a leader in your industry or sector?”

Reg Kidd, Mayor of Orange City Council

Currently the Mayor of Orange City Council, Reg is an agricultural consultant with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Graduate Diploma in Education and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.

Reg hosts the ABC Central West gardening program, and is passionate about sustainable farming practices and educating younger generations about how they can grow their own vegetables and help improve the health of the environment.

As one of the TEN4TEN mentors, we asked Reg “What is the best piece of advice you have received from a previous mentor”?

Genya Miller, Brand and Marketing Manager at MSM Milling

Genya is the Brand and Marketing Manager at MSM Milling in Manildra and has called the Orange region home for more than twenty years. The former television and radio news reader and journalist is looking forward to sharing her extensive knowledge and experience with the next generation.

As one of the TEN4TEN mentors we asked Genya “You have forged a successful career in your chosen field. How have you managed to balance work expectations and life responsibilities?”

Gabriel Franklyn, Mining Engineer at Cadia Valley Operations

Gabriel is a Mining Engineer at Cadia Valley Operations, with a Bachelor of Science (Mining and Engineering Surveying) and Graduate Diploma in Mining. She is passionate about STEM and thrilled to be involved in the TEN4TEN Leadership program.

As one of the TEN4TEN mentors we ask Gabriel “What is the biggest misconception associated with your role, industry or sector?”