News

Inspiring Australians discuss determination and the definition of success at Auspire’s Community Leadership Forum

  • 29 May 2023

Auspire – Australia Day Council WA had the privilege of hosting three members of our Inspiring Australians’ Network, before an audience of volunteers, Local Government employees, migrants and aspiring leaders, at a Community Leadership Forum on Thursday 25 May.

The speakers – made up of Nilesh Makwana, Vince Garreffa and Caroline Wood – each shared their personal journeys, discussed what has made them the influential Australians that they are, and offered words of wisdom to members of the audience.

man speaking at an event

Key moments included tech CEO and Auspire Ambassador, Nilesh, comparing what he called a ‘Eulogy CV’ to your professional CV.

Vince – who was named 2022 Community Citizen of the Year for City of Stirling and a 2023 WA Senior Australian of the Year finalist for his fundraising efforts and servicing an entire community with Mondo Butchers – emphasised the importance of prioritising meaningful, emotional wealth, over financial.

Finally, Centre for Stories co-founder and 2022 Senior Community Citizen of the Year for City of Perth, Caroline Wood, encouraged attendees to be true to themselves, as she was when she started on her creative path.

speakers and audience at an event

Given that none of their stories started in Australia, the migrant journey and experience was a common theme and great influence on questions from the audience. Several attendees also admitted to admiring the speakers and their work for some time, suggesting that this was an opportunity for them to go onto the next step in their own leadership journeys.

man taking photo of three people

Photos from the evening are available here.

Auspire thanks the City of Stirling for supporting this event.

If you missed this Community Leadership Forum, Auspire will be hosting another on Tuesday 27th June with Australian of the Year Awards alumni Theresa Kwok, Amar Singh and Craig Hollywood, with the City of Canning. Register for free here.

Back to news