Participants' Reflections (Colloquium for Victorian Public Sector Future Leaders Levels 4 & 5)
The Colloquium was.... "an excellent opportunity to discuss relevant issues with representatives from all departments and a good mix of policy and operational people."
Mr Peter Beaumont, Senior Policy Adviser, Resources & Infrastructure, Department of Premier & Cabinet
"The range of experience wiithin the public sector group was very stimulating and diverse - perhaps more than I had anticipated. The public sector focus enabled an exploration of issues common across the public service..... It was a brilliant experience and an excellent way to learn from like-minded people. I feel as though I've been sent back into the world refocussed."
Ms Ylva Carosone, Senior Adviser, Office of the Secretary, Department of Innovation, Industry & Regional Development
"The Colloquium provides an invaluable opportunity to reflect on some key questions underlying contemporary western thought and consider how we answer them in our day-to-day lives. I believe my conceptual, analytical and reasoning skills improved during the six days and I feel more confident about challenging 'received wisdom' in the workplace...... It was a real pleasure to spend time with my peer group across the public sector. This is a rare occurrence and has buoyed my enthusiasm for the sector."
Dr Tabitha Frith, OSR Executive Coordinator, Office of Strategy & Review, Department of Education & Training
"The fact that we were all from the VPS was in many ways a real strength, it gave us a framework of shared outlook and experience to draw on...... It was great to acquire a new peer group of interesting, intelligent and committed people. Also, some of my prejudices and assumptions were usefully challenged...... It was intense, and exhausting, and invaluable."
Ms Adina Hamilton, Senior Project Officer, Health Independence Programs, Metropolitan Health and Aged Care Services, Department of Human Services
"The Colloquium has for want of a better analogy 'turned up the volume' for me. Whilst I had considered ideals and ideas explored at the Colloquium as an essential part of being a decent human being, the Colloquium has amplified it."
Mr Hieng Lim, Project Officer, Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria, Department of Justice