2026 Program

HunterNet Future Leaders Program 2026

Ready to fast-track your leadership journey? The HunterNet Future Leaders Program 2026 is your chance to build skills, confidence, and connections that will set you apart in your career.

With 13 interactive sessions, mentorship from senior professionals, and a real-world consultancy project, you’ll gain practical experience to apply immediately.

Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the future of industry!

Pathway to Further Study

Completion of the HunterNet Future Leaders Program doesn’t just accelerate your leadership capability – it also contributes to your formal qualifications. Graduates of the program are eligible to receive two course credits towards a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Newcastle.

This recognition highlights the quality and academic rigour of the program while giving you a valuable head start should you choose to pursue postgraduate study. By counting your Future Leaders Program experience towards an MBA, you can:

• Fast-track your MBA journey by reducing the number of courses required.
• Save on study costs with advanced standing for prior learning.
• Leverage practical industry insights gained in the program as part of your academic progression.

It’s a unique opportunity to connect professional development with academic achievement – setting you up with the skills, networks, and qualifications to take your career to the next level.

What to Expect from the sessions

13 dynamic sessions led by experts, previously including sessions such as:

Developing a High-Performance Culture – Wayne Pearce | Inspire and lead teams to achieve their best.

Authentic Leadership – Jeremy Dooley | Build trust and credibility as a leader.

Networking for Success– Julia Palmer, Relatus | Create genuine, career-boosting connections.

Emotional Intelligence – Bernie Garrett | Master self-awareness and people skills.

Let’s Talk Mental Health – Steve Gamble, Man Anchor | Lead with wellbeing in mind.

HR & People Management – James Ritchie & Jane McConville | Manage and empower people effectively.

Change & Project Management – Glen Thornton & KJ Chantrey | Drive transformation and deliver outcomes.

**SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Support from Mentors

One of the greatest strengths of the HunterNet Future Leaders Program is the support network you’ll have access to throughout your journey. Each participant is guided by Experienced Team Mentors – senior professionals who are passionate about sharing their knowledge, offering practical advice, and helping you apply your learnings to real-world challenges.

In addition, you’ll benefit from the insight and encouragement of Committee Members who have previously completed the program. Having walked in your shoes, they understand the opportunities and challenges ahead and can provide first-hand perspectives on how to make the most of the experience.

This dual layer of mentorship ensures you are supported, challenged, and inspired every step of the way – helping you grow both personally and professionally while building lasting connections across industry.