Leadership starts with care.
It grows through relationships.
It creates change through action.

An invitation

These ten stories are an invitation.

An invitation to pause and consider what leadership looks like in practice, and the many different ways it shapes our communities, organisations and our state.

Over the past twenty years, Tasmanian Leaders has worked alongside people from every corner of Tasmania who care deeply about making a difference. Their paths are different. Their work is different. Their leadership is different.

Yet together, these stories reveal something bigger.

They show leadership as an ongoing practice of curiosity, courage, collaboration and care. Some begin with a single conversation. Others with an opportunity, a challenge or a decision to step forward. All demonstrate how leadership can ripple well beyond one person or one moment.

These are not simply stories about individuals. They are stories about relationships. About ideas finding communities. About people connecting across sectors, places and perspectives to create change that no one person could achieve alone.

Taken together, they offer a glimpse of the collective impact created when people invest in themselves, connect with others and choose to lead where they are.

As you explore the collection, we invite you to reflect on your own leadership story, the people who have shaped it, and where leadership might be calling you next.

Tasmanian Leaders Gala artwork - background image.a dark blue to royal blue gradient background

The Collection

Each story offers a different perspective on leadership in practice. Together, they reflect twenty years of learning, connection and impact across Tasmania.

A display of Tasmanian native foliage, yellow and cream blossoms, feathers, shells and cultural materials arranged across a table.

Looking Back to Lead Forward

When ancient and continuing Palawa knowledge is valued laongside other ways of knowing, it can expand how we understand leadership, stewardship and our responsibility to future generations.

Looking back to lead forward
Worker in high-visibility clothing and protective welding equipment fabricating a large metal structure in an industrial workshop.

Leading Businesses from Here to Everywhere

From artisan cheese to digital technology, Tasmanian Leaders graduates are builidng world-class businesses from an island at the edge of the world. Their stories show how place can become a competitive advantage rather than a limitation.

Leading businesses from here to everywhere
Elevated view across a busy Tasmanian community market, with people gathering among food stalls and colourful marquees surrounded by city buildings.

When an Idea Finds Its Community

The Harvest Market began with a question from a participant in the third Tasmanian Leaders Program: where was Launceston's farmers market? What followed transformed an idea into a place where community continues to gather, and helped build momentum towards Launceston becoming a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.

When an idea finds its community
Two people smiling behind the timber cellar door counter at Eastford Creek Vineyard, surrounded by bottles of Tasmanian wine.

Collaborative leadership creates competitive advantage

When people across an industry learn together, new possibilities emerge. This story explores how sector-based leadership development is strengthening Tasmania's capability across wine, women in industry and frontline community services.

Collaborative leadership creates competitive advantage
School children and community members gathered outdoors for the opening of the Garden of Memories, with illuminated artwork installed among the garden beds.

The Things We Lead Behind

Dotted across Tasmania are visible reminders of what our programs have helped leave behind. A Sheffield bike park, a Guide Dogs memorial garden, beach wheelchairs and trishaws for older Tasmanians each tell a story of people working together to create something lasting.

The things we lead behind
A man holding an Australian of the Year Award stands beside a smiling woman holding a baby at a Tasmanian Australian of the Year event.

A Seat at the Table

Offering someone a seat at the table can be an act of leadership. This story explores how welcome, connection and community can help people find belonging in a new place.

A seat at the table
Woman speaking at a lectern at a Tasmanian Leaders event, with a large Tasmanian Leaders banner behind her.

The Courage to Be Seen

Public leadership can mean exchanging the safety of the sidelines for service. This story celebrates Tasmanian Leaders alumni who chose to step into public life and contribute to something bigger than themselves.

The courage to be seen
Woman standing beside a rack of clothing and a Dress for Success Hobart vehicle outside a heritage building.

When You See It, You Can Lead It

Leadership often begins by noticing what has been overlooked. From a prison visit to the Community Action Projects that followed, this story explores how curiosity, compassion and collaboration can create opportunities for dignity, belonging and lasting change.

When you see it, you can lead it
Three people in colourful costumes holding pickleball paddles and smiling together on an indoor court.

More Than a Game

What started as a community pickleball tournament became a powerful lesson in collaboration, generosity and the unexpected ripple effects of leadership.

More than a game
A facilitator speaking to a seated group during a Tasmanian Leaders retreat, with workshop notes, maps and photographs displayed around the room.

Leadership Is a Renewable Resource

Leadership grows when it's shared. Meet the alumni who have become mentors, facilitators and champions, helping the impact of Tasmanian Leaders continue well beyond graduation.

Leadership as a renewable resource