We caught up with Hannah Combe, Governance Officer, Port Augusta City Council, about what led her to participate in the Emerging Leaders Program, her key takeaways from the final module, and her advice for those undertaking the Emerging Leaders Program in 2026.

Congrats on graduating from the Emerging Leadership Program! What initially drew you to participate?

The Emerging Leaders Program was recommended to me by my manager as a valuable professional development opportunity. I was motivated to enhance my leadership capabilities and proactively invest in my career development.

Our final module for the program focused on integrating your learnings – what were some of your key takeaways from this module?

The final module provided a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the key learnings from the program and consider how the tools we have gained can be practically applied in our careers. The session tied the program together and reinforced that leadership development is an ongoing process, encouraging continued reflection and application post-program.

And, what advice would you give to someone considering doing the Emerging Leaders Program in 2026?

I would strongly encourage anyone considering participating in the Emerging Leaders Program to seize the opportunity. If you are willing to invest the time and actively engage in the program, it is a rewarding opportunity for both personal and professional development. The program also serves as a valuable platform for networking, enabling participants to connect with and learn from other professionals across the local government sector.