September 2015
MEDIA RELEASE

Undertaking the grueling challenge of walking the Kokoda trail in Papua New Guinea might seem worlds apart from leading a business but the strategies for success and team building have common links according to business leader and former Colac resident, Bernadette O’Connor.

Ms O’Connor is guest speaker at Colac Otway Disability Accommodation Inc. (CODA) Annual General Meeting which is open to the community to attend at 7.30 pm on Monday September 21.

The AGM is an opportunity to report on and celebrate the achievements of CODA which provides services to people with a disability within the Colac Otway Shire. It will also bring together representatives from the disability sector, clients and their families and interested members of the community.

CODA CEO, Jacqui Suares said Bernadette O’Connor’s presentation would provide insight into her personal experience of completing the 138 kilometre Kokoda trek earlier this year.

“Bernadette has a great story to tell that has application to achieving success in business, sport or personal pursuits.”

“Her presentation will reflect on the physical and emotional challenges her team endured and the importance of pre-planning, commitment, team work, and motivational strategies to keep goals on track and achieve success. Bernadette will draw on stories and provide visuals from her adventure.”

The Kokoda Trail has a history of bitter fighting between Australian and Japanese armies during World War II. The narrow trail passes through rugged mountainous country of rainforest and jungles. Trekkers walk single file and in some places have to literally cling to the track.

Bernadette O’Connor is Executive Director of Management Governance Australia which assists business managers, leaders and Boards to advance their skills. Bernadette has a strong connection with Colac having spent 17 years as a manager and CEO of Colac ACE. Her career then progressed into CEO roles for large multi-site adult education businesses in Gippsland and in New South Wales and she has represented Boards at the state and national le Contact details

In addition to her guest speaker engagement with CODA, Bernadette is offering local Managers and Supervisors the opportunity to build their ability to effectively manage people in the workplace. Her Master Class – Understanding and Managing People is being held on the 22nd September at the Crowe Howarth offices in Colac. For more information phone: 0456 037 592.

CODA’s AGM will be held on Monday September 21 at COPACC between 7.30 and 9.30 pm.

RSVP to the CODA office on 5231 1573

For more information on CODA visit: https://coda.org.au/ or phone 5231 1573