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Shaping the next Cohort of Ethical Leaders

The Vincent Fairfax Fellowship 2025 features an impressive and diverse cohort of 24 senior leaders representing a remarkable cross-section of Australian industries and sectors.

The Vincent Fairfax Fellowship supports leaders to develop critical thinking, moral courage and applied skills to evolve their leadership within an ethical framework. Designed to be an experience to enrich not only an individual’s career but their lifelong practice as a leader and person, the Fellowship is delivered as a year-long program comprised of residential retreats, online learning and introspective reflection. Fellows engage with curriculum, faculty and peers to become ethical decision-makers, change agents and role models in their organisations, communities and lives.

The Vincent Fairfax Fellowship 2025 Cohort on their first retreat of the Fellowship in the Yarra Valley.

The 2025 cohort is incredibly diverse, with broad national coverage including increased regional representation. The cohort come from an extensive range of sectors, showcasing the program's reach across critical areas of Australian society and economy:

Government and public service: Representatives from the Department of Defence, Department of Education, Department of Industry, Science and Resources, and Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
Healthcare: Leaders from The Royal Children's Hospital, Alfred Health, and therapeutic services (Caraniche)
Education: Leaders from early childhood education (ECTARC) and specialized education (Rossbourne School)
Infrastructure: Executives from Essential Energy, South East Water, and Telstra
Financial services: Representatives from National Australia Bank and Resolution Life Insurance
Aviation and transportation: Leadership from Qantas
Construction and property: Leaders from Slattery and Women's Property Initiatives
Arts: Executive leadership from Melbourne Theatre Company
Agriculture and sustainability: Representation from Carbon8 Fund
Innovation and technology: Leadership from iLAUNCH Trailblazer
Indigenous Leadership: Representation through the Treaty Authority Victoria
Sports: Expertise from Tasmania's Racing Integrity Commission
Communications: Leadership from Brand + Story

This year's first residential retreat took place at the stunning Balgownie Estate Yarra Valley in Victoria. As well as the ethical framework curriculum guided by Program Director Dr Matt Beard, the agenda included guest sessions facilitated by Professor Deen Sanders, founder of Deloitte's Indigenous Leadership team, Dr. Monty Badami, founder of Habitus, Annamarie Rooding of Kingswood and Mallesons and Anna Box of Gusto Sessions.

Featuring on a fireside chat on the topic of The Journey to Ethical Maturity, Scyne Managing Director Richard Gwilym spoke about Scyne's work developing a robust ethical strategy. Wellbeing sessions such as morning yoga, storytelling and nature walks were also given prominence in this year's program.