Five rising stars of Illawarra businesses will take up the mantle of becoming next generation leaders for the region after being awarded scholarships to the prestigious Leadership Illawarra Program.

Aleisha Brooke-Smith, Alison Turner, Peter Katsoudas, Carlie Belancic and Mitchell Bell were selected from a record 35 applications to receive scholarships for the two-year experiential learning program which this year celebrated 10 years of operation.

A partnership between RDA Illawarra, The Sydney Business School, University of Wollongong and The Illawarra Connection, the Leadership Illawarra Program aims to produce inspired and well-connected visionaries with a passion for the region.

Overall, 25 future leaders from businesses as diverse as BlueScope, IMB Bank, not-for-profit organisations, local government, small business and the community sector will undertake the program.

RDA Illawarra CEO Debra Murphy said there had been widespread interest in the program with enquiries flowing throughout the past year.

“During the past 10 years we have built a reputation for producing forward-thinking leaders who have the best interests of the Illawarra at heart,” she said.

“A strong, progressive region is achieved by encouraging fresh and innovative ideas drawn from the experiences of people from different backgrounds and age groups. The Leadership Illawarra Program gives its participants the coaching, connections and understanding of the Illawarra to develop and drive the region’s future identity.”

Aleisha Brooke-Smith is Head of Marketing and Communications at Greenacres and has been awarded The Illawarra Connection scholarship. She said the education and guidance she will receive through the program will benefit not only herself, but her employer and people living with disability in the Illawarra.

“Applying for this scholarship, isn’t just about what I can become but how I can empower others to become the change the Illawarra needs,” she said.

“I hope to lead by example and empower people with a disability to be active members of the workforce, their circles of support and the wider Illawarra community.”

IRT Group Strategy Development Lead Peter Katsoudas is receiving the Sydney Business School, University of Wollongong scholarship for 2023-24. He applied for the program in order to have an impact on the future growth of IRT, an organisation that is pivotal to helping older Australians in the Illawarra.

“Now, the future is about seeing Wollongong and the Illawarra develop its modern identity as a thriving, vibrant, world leading place to live and work, with strong ethos around our environment, responsible business and social communities,” he said.

“In my vision, the local business economy is thriving, offices are full and desirable employers - think Google - have decided to set up campuses around our region. Through UOW, the Illawarra offers a consistent pipeline of talent.”

The 2023-24 Leadership Illawarra Program will begin in February.