News

The photo is showing Welcoming Communities Officer Heather Harries, Newcomer Leadership Scholarship recipient Adam Stobo-Wright, Dewald De Beer, Business South Central Otago Chair. Not pictured: Bianca Le-Gall (Mattson), Newcomer Leadership Scholarship recipient

Central Otago District Council’s Welcoming Communities and Business South have partnered to support the leadership development of newcomers within the business, community and non-profit sectors. Heather Harries, CODC’s Welcoming Communities Officer, said she was delighted that this initiative is continuing into its third year. “If communities can recognise the value of diversity in the workplace, and if they can maximise and harness the contributions that newcomers offer, the economic gain for the region benefits everyone.”

The Central Otago Newcomer Leadership Scholarship, funded by Business South, allows applicants to apply for funding to participate in the Business South Leadership Academy that will take place in Cromwell every Wednesday morning in the month September.

This year, there were a record number of expressions of interest. Congratulations goes to Adam Stobo-Wright and Bianca Le-Gall (Mattson) for being awarded the 2024 Newcomer Leadership Scholarships.

Adam is a solicitor at Southern Peak Law and is the current Treasurer of Central Lakes Rotaract - the young adults’ division of Rotary International. His goal is to spread the word of the Rotaract Group, to recruit more members and get involved in a wide range of community projects. He aspires to partner with businesses and local government in ways that will benefit our environment, our people, and our economy.

Bianca, originally from Australia, is the co-owner of Fantail Kitchen in Ranfurly and a member of the Maniototo Business Association. She is actively involved in community events and acknowledges that the rural nature of the Māniatoto creates an elevated risk of isolation and mental health issues. She is actively seeking to create a robust support network, particularly for youth, women and newcomers. In order to achieve her goals, she is eager to develop her leadership skills which will enhance her endeavours within her community.

Source: Press release Central Otago District Council