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Make impact at the decision making table.
The Connection Table is the national network for regional, rural and remote leaders who are ready to influence the rooms where Australia’s decisions get made.
A self-paced, practical certification program for rural professionals who want to show up to decision-making tables with confidence.
> Three modules.
> A resource toolkit.
> A certificate of attainment.
> And 12 months of full access to The Connection Table
Join a professional platform connecting regional, rural and remote leaders across Australia with national influence opportunities including board positions, speaking engagements and professional development.
Who is this for?
For individuals ready to invest in their leadership growth
If you have access to a professional development budget, this is the kind of learning that delivers value well beyond the course itself.
Connected Leadership: Governance & Group Effectiveness is a practical, self-paced introduction to governance, leadership and effective group dynamics, designed for people stepping into greater leadership, committee, board or decision-making responsibilities.
Think of it as Governance 101, for modern rural leaders: accessible, practical and immediately applicable. But the real difference is what happens after the course.
Every enrolment includes 12 months access to The Connection Table network, connecting you into ongoing professional development, strategic conversations and a trusted community of leaders doing meaningful work across industries and communities.
You’re likely looking for:
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Non accredited training with a certification
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Governance and leadership foundations
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Confidence in strategic conversations
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Flexible, self-paced professional development
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Practical tools you can apply immediately
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A network that expands your thinking and opportunities
For organisations investing in stronger teams and future leaders
Your professional development budget should create long-term value, not just complete compliance training.
This non accredited certification gives your team access to practical, self-paced governance and leadership training designed for people leading within rural organisations, businesses and communities.
The course builds foundational capability in governance, communication and group effectiveness, helping emerging and established leaders contribute more confidently within teams, committees, boards and organisations.
But what makes this different is the network.
Every participant also receives 12 months access to The Connection Table community, giving your people ongoing exposure to high-quality professional development, cross-sector conversations and meaningful connections beyond their immediate workplace.
That means your investment continues long after the course is complete — strengthening confidence, expanding networks and supporting retention, growth and leadership capability across your organisation.
Ideal for organisations wanting to:
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Use professional development budget on non accredited training that works
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Develop confident future leaders
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Strengthen governance and communication capability
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Provide flexible, accessible professional development
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Support connection and retention in rural teams
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Give staff access to broader networks and perspectives
1
Governance Foundations
Roles, responsibilities and obligations
Strategic vs operational thinking
Risk, accountability and decision-making
2
Effective Meetings & Group Dynamics
High-performing groups
Agenda design and preparation
Contribution and participation
3
Communication, Conflict & Decision-Making
Managing behaviours and personalities
Constructive challenge and influence
Consensus and decision-making
Real world governance training
Julia Spicer
Facilitator.
Co-Founder of The Connection Table and Founder of Engage & Create Consulting.
Julia is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, has delivered governance training to thousands across Australia, and contributes to Advanced Beef Leadership Foundation programs.
She holds board and advisory roles including Deputy Chair of Australia's Economic Accelerator, Councillor at Goondiwindi Regional Council, Roundtable Member of the Office of Social Impact, and former Chair of Motherland Australia.
Certification purpose
To build confident, capable professionals who can:
- Contribute effectively in meetings and decision-making environments
- Understand governance responsibilities (formal and informal)
- Lead conversations that result in clear outcomes and accountability
Learning outcomes
Participants will be able to:
- Understand governance roles and responsibilities
- Contribute effectively in decision-making environments
- Design and lead effective meetings
- Navigate conflict and influence outcomes
- Translate discussion into action and accountability
Certification structure
1. Live onboarding session
Introduction to governance and group effectiveness, setting expectations and goals, and connecting participants.
2. Three pre-recorded modules
- Governance Foundations
- Effective Meetings & Group Dynamics
- Communication, Conflict & Decision-Making
3. Live check-in session
Reflection, troubleshooting, and peer learning.
4. Resource toolkit
Templates, tools and guides to support governance and meetings.
5. The Connection Table platform
Access to a closed group for ongoing discussion and learning.
6. 12-month membership
Full access to The Connection Table network and opportunities.
7. A Certificate of Attainment once completed
Workplace relevance
This program directly improves meeting effectiveness, decision-making, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement.
