Finding their political voice and values: 2025 cohort joins our South Australian program

Lead image: Pathways to Politics SA 2025 cohort with special guests Tory Shepherd, the Hon Heidi Girolamo MLC, the Hon Jing Lee MLC and Cressida O’Hanlon MP

The third year of Pathways to Politics in South Australia has kicked off with a diverse and dynamic new cohort ready to turn their political ambition into action.

Hosted in partnership with the University of Adelaide, the first in-person sessions set the tone for what promises to be another transformative year – equipping women with the tools, networks and confidence to take on political leadership.

The opening session featured workshops on “Finding your voice and values” with Katrina Webb OAM and “Making the most of the program”, which welcomed back program alums Cr Lou Nicholson and Cr Monique Crossling. A networking event at the end of the day helped participants to begin building lasting connections with other participants as well as program alums.

A woman with long blond hair presenting to a group of women seated at U-shaped tables — Katrina Webb OAM

Three women on a panel, seated in front of a projector screen. — Program alums Cr Lou Nicholson and Cr Monique Crossling

The second day of the program focused on the diverse political journeys of women in public life, beginning with a workshop in which participants identified and articulated their key strengths as a political candidate. This was followed by the “Women Leading Change” panel facilitated by journalist Tory Shepherd. Panellists the Hon Heidi Girolamo MLC, the Hon Jing Lee MLC and Cressida O’Hanlon MP shared the motivations behind their decision to stand for office, the challenges they’ve faced and the impact they’ve made in public life.

Four women on a panel, smiling and talking seated in front of a projector screen — L-R: Tory Shepherd, the Hon Heidi Girolamo MLC, the Hon Jing Lee MLC and Cressida O’Hanlon MP

Over the coming months, our South Australian participants will engage in an intensive program covering campaigning, media and speech training, policymaking, ethical leadership and more. Expert-led workshops will explore responsible governance, women leading change, major parties, minor parties and independents, and the realities of life in politics – culminating in November with participants delivering their final speeches in the South Australian Parliament.

Now in its third year, the South Australian program continues to foster a powerful pipeline of future political leaders – equipping them with practical skills, political networks, and an ability to lead with confidence and clarity.