Staff from the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) have strengthened their project planning capability after taking part in a two-day Business Acumen Workshop on Country. The training brought together teams from across Country Operations and focused on practical learning built around real GLaWAC projects. Supported by ABV Volunteer facilitator Dr Ken Long, the sessions encouraged open discussion and problem solving, with the content shaped to reflect GLaWAC’s own systems, culture and priorities.
Strong engagement and clear outcomes
Participants said the workshop helped them understand how projects are planned, priced and delivered, and how their work connects to the organisation’s broader goals. Many reported feeling more confident to take on new responsibilities and more prepared to contribute to future projects. Survey results backed this up, with all participants reporting increased confidence in their business skills and rating the content, materials and facilitation highly. Staff also valued the chance to learn in a supportive environment where they could ask questions freely and work closely with colleagues from across the organisation.
A key theme in the feedback was the importance of earlier planning. Participants said they would start project conversations sooner, involve the right people earlier and keep talking with teammates to make sure the learning continues. Many also said they now have a clearer understanding of how their day-to-day tasks contribute to GLaWAC’s long term goals.
A partnership approach to capability building
The workshop was strengthened by internal leadership from GLaWAC staff including Matthew Paterson, Fiona Hammond, Maryanne Kelly, Willow Carter and Julie Dennison, whose guidance helped ensure the content matched GLaWAC’s project management practice and day to day operations. ABV’s role focused on offering practical expertise while supporting GLaWAC’s leadership to guide the direction of the training, helping create a learning environment that felt relevant and grounded in the organisation’s strengths.
Building skills for future projects
By strengthening business acumen and project planning capability, GLaWAC teams are better placed to deliver high quality projects that reflect community priorities and support long term organisational resilience. The workshop reinforced the value of clear communication, early planning and shared responsibility across teams, setting a strong foundation for future work on Country.
Community organisations interested in building their own capability through the Resilient Regions program can contact the ABV team at hello@abv.org.au
This activity is delivered through ABV’s Resilient Regions program, which is supported by the Australian and Victorian governments.
As featured in:
https://snowyrivermail.com.au/16039/training-builds-confidence-across-glawac-teams/
