The Golden Key Asia Pacific Conference was held at the University of South Australia (Adelaide) from Feb 7th - 9th. The theme for the conference was 'get connected'.
Two of our members attended the AP Conference. Our President, Rosie Attwell, attended a seminar and speech by philanthropist, author and speaker Sam Cawthorn. Our 2012 Treasurer, Jodie Lee, thoroughly enjoyed a speech by Rachel Robertson, who lead the 58th ANARY expedition to Antarctica in 2005.
In October 2006, Sam Cawthorn was in a car accident and pronounced dead at the scene, with no signs of pulse or breathing. He suffered a shattered right leg, two collapsed lungs, a lacerated liver, and a right arm so badly injured it was amputated below the elbow. Rather than dwelling on this misfortune, Sam focused his attention toward raising awareness of the traumatic consequences of road accidents on the victim and their families. Sam discusses the concept of “bouncing forward” (rather than “bouncing backward”) from problems. He embraces crises by turning them into opportunities, and encourages a positive outlook on life no matter what.
“He was an incredible speaker and I think everyone in attendance walked out of the room feeling inspired and empowered,” Rosie said, “if I could take one thing away from that conference it was Sam’s phrase:
“It is your decision, not your condition, that determines who you are.”
Rachel Robertson shared her leadership ideals, as well as the highs and lows of spending an entire year in the most remote place on the planet, Antartica. Rachel’s team were there to maintain the Davis station (a permanent base and Australian scientific research station) over the winter. “Antarctica is inaccessible during winter, so once the supply and transport ship leaves, they are totally on their own for a whole year”, Jodie explained. The main focus of the research was climate change and global warming (undertaken by glaciologists, who study the movement of glaciers). “In terms of global warming, glaciology is one of the most important sciences that we have”.
Here are a couple of Rachel’s leadership achievements:
Inspiration. From May to August, her team could not go outside. Although the team was confined indoors, Rachel believed in “finding reasons to celebrate” and keeping everyone inspired. She managed this by setting achievable goals. At the Davis station, the team celebrated 100 days without a power outage and 10 days without the server dropping out.
Teamwork. Rachel discussed Empire Penguins and their means of survival through teamwork. By protecting the group, the individual thrives. Rachel linked this to Golden Key: making decisions that benefit Golden Key ensures the individual chapter will strengthen and thrive.
Our QUT Chapter representatives gained priceless knowledge from the inspiring speakers on hand at the AP Conference.
Stay tuned for updates on conferences in the Asia-Pacific region!
