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Cadet Director Observer Program

Cadet Director Observer Program

As part of our ongoing commitment to developing skills and knowledge in local leaders, CCG invites two people each year to join the Cadet Director Observer Program.

Cadets are fully supported in their development through the provision of on-on-one mentoring with one of our experienced Directors and structured learning modules on a range of relevant topics. These modules are designed to help Cadets build the skills and knowledge required to become a board director.

The Program also provides a unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience on a board of directors with full participation in meetings as a Non-Voting Director. In addition to participating in regular Board meetings, Cadets are encouraged to participate in specialist sub-committee meetings to gain the best understanding of how the Board functions.

The application process for the Cadet Director Observer Program opens annually in May/June. Cadets commence the Program by attending a meet and greet with the Board and outgoing Cadets in December. This is an opportunity to get to know your CCG Board colleagues and interact with outgoing Cadets.

Successful applicants will demonstrate passion, innovation, a willingness to learn and bring complementary skills and experience. Those with experience in business, education/industry, community, advocacy or philanthropy will be viewed favourably. People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and those who have experience with disability are encouraged to apply.

CCG is a Child Safe organisation and has zero tolerance for child abuse or harm.

Hear from past Cadets:

Christina Campbell, Board Cadet

Board Duration: Board Duration: 2024-2025

With decades of experience in health care and education, as well as a variety of life experiences and social roles within the community, I have transitioned into strategic positions that have allowed me to work in committees and present to boards. Through this experience, I became eager to understand the thinking and operations of board […]

Rachel VanderKoogh, Board Cadet

Board Duration: Board Duration: 2024-2025

I applied for the CCG Cadet Director Program because I am passionate about education, particularly for the young people of Gippsland. I was seeking an immersive learning experience to develop my knowledge of the school/board relationship and to enhance my leadership ability. The cadet program stood out because it provided a unique opportunity to fully […]

Kate Gaffney, Board Cadet

Board Duration: Board Duration: 2022-2023

I unequivocally recommend this program. It is a rare opportunity to be guided through being a Director. This is such a generous and nurturing program. CCG is an important regional education provider – changing lives. To be part of that and help guide CCG’s strategy and success was a rare privilege.

Jessica Ploeger, Board Cadet

Board Duration: Board Duration: 2022-2023

I can’t overstate the wonderful opportunity this board cadetship offers, and I encourage anyone considering applying to grab this rare opportunity with both hands, you will not regret it.

Jared Slater, Board Cadet

Board Duration: 2021-2022

“The Cadet program is a unique experience, and one that very few organisations make available. You get to learn how boards operate from highly skilled, diverse and professional directors, in an organisation that makes a real, tangible difference in people’s lives. That’s quite an amazing opportunity. I went in with high hopes, but the experience offered so much more than I thought. I now have hands-on experience in performing the role of a board director, and just as importantly, I’ve been able to be a part of an organisation that makes a real difference.”

Marie Downie, Board Cadet

Board Duration: 2021-2022

“I was interested in joining a Board but would not have applied for a Director position, because I wasn’t sure if it was the right fit for me. The Cadet program ticked all of the boxes, giving me the chance to get exposure to the Board, learn what was required and check that my participation would be valuable for me AND the organisation. The impact has been huge, personally and professionally. It has been an amazing experience, and I can’t speak highly enough about it.”

Lachlan Crampton, Board Cadet

Board Duration: 2020-2021

“When I saw the cadet role, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to give back and at the same time, expand my own skill set and resume,” Lachlan said. “The cadetship was the perfect platform to build the skills needed to be an effective member of the Board. If you are interested, absolutely apply. Don’t worry that you won’t have what it takes – the Board is very supportive of cadets, and diversity is important. You’ll bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the table, and you will learn so much along the way. Honestly, just go for it!”

Merryn Paynter (dec), Board Cadet

Board Duration: 2020-2021

“I knew that I had knowledge and experience that would be valuable to bring to the Board, but I hadn’t served on a Board before,” she said. “This was an ideal entry point. I was able to bring my skills to the table in a supported way, where I was encouraged to experiment, learn by doing and get some experience under my belt. It’s a fabulous opportunity to see what you are made of.”

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