Future Focus Group

Committee for Melbourne is committed to the development of emerging leaders as skilled, connected and committed civic leaders who contribute to enduring and positive changes for Melbourne. As part of this ongoing commitment, we are delighted to announce the launch of the next offering of the Future Focus Group Program (FFG).

Melbourne’s own emerging civic leaders’ program, FFG was first offered in 1996 and has successfully developed emerging leaders in Melbourne who are able to better understand, connect within and contribute to Melbourne while building their leadership capabilities.

FFG is an outstanding opportunity to deliver Committee-sponsored group projects. These projects have included Open House Melbourne, Free Trams in the CBD, the inaugural Melbourne International Student Week and Men’s Shed Parkville Precinct. Melbourne International Student Week will be held again for a third time in 2025 as the Committee works on it becoming an enduring part of Melbourne’s annual calendar of events.

Historically, FFG has been run over 21 months and, more recently, over 15 months.  Having considered recent feedback from member organisations and others on the type of emerging leaders’ program more likely to appeal to their emerging leaders and to the organisations’ investment in learning, the Committee is piloting ‘FFG60’ as an intensive offering in advance of a potential return to a longer-form offering in 2025.  The premise of FFG60 for an emerging leader is, with the support of the organisation of that emerging leader:

Invest 60 hours straight, including a Sunday, and you’ll have an intensive and immersive opportunity to better understand, connect within and contribute to Melbourne while building your leadership capabilities.

FFG60 will run from 8am on Sunday 13 October to 8pm on Tuesday 15 October, subject to a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 20 participants being secured to work in 2 or 3 Project Teams.

Please contact Matt Gaffney, General Manager Future Focus Group, if you would like to explore the prospect of nominating an emerging leader of your organisation for FFG60. Completed Nomination Forms are sought by 5pm on Monday 2 September.

What does a typical FFG participant look like?

FFG60 is open to emerging leaders working in member organisations of the Committee, Victorian Government Departments and organisations that are not currently member organisations of the Committee.  The typical FFG participant is recognised by leaders of the nominating organisation as a likely future leader of that organisation and has:

• 8 to 12 years’ work experience, combined with some management experience
• An appetite for some independence, initiative and ambiguity while participating in FFG
• A strong interest in making Melbourne a better place
• A keen desire to develop leadership skills through a practical learning model in a challenging and diverse team environment.

A transformational experience

From listed companies through to consulting firms, educators and social enterprises, FFG has attracted participants from every sector of the Committee’s membership base. This broad exposure enables FFG participants to develop connections and work with colleagues outside their usual circles, creating a network of professional relationships and friendships that can last a lifetime.

FFG 60, which will be at the Melbourne Marriott Hotel, provides:

• The opportunity, as part of diverse Project Teams of 5 to 7 emerging leaders, to work intensively on a sub-set of a major Committee initiative for the benefit of Melbourne – Melbourne International Student Week 2025, planned for March 2025
• Around 15 hours of Project Team time, followed by a Project Team presentation then Q&A
• The opportunity to be part of 6 diverse Melburnian leaders in conversation
• 3 lunches, 2 dinners and decent morning tea and afternoon tea breaks, providing opportunities to establish meaningful and enduring relationships with other participants
• The opportunity to build leadership capabilities through intensive ‘learning by doing’ and fast-tracking of new relationships.

A detailed timetable for the 60 hours of FFG60 can be accessed here

The standard investment in FFG60 is just $3,500 plus GST or, for a paid-up Not for Profit member organisation of the Committee, $2,500 plus GST.  This investment covers two nights’ accommodation and food and refreshments from morning tea on the Sunday to the concluding gathering on the Tuesday night.  A Committee invoice will be issued to a nominating organisation in early September for payment in advance of FFG60 commencing.

The Nomination Form for FFG60 can be accessed here

“Participating in the 22/23 FFG program was an enriching experience, where I had the privilege of connecting with a diverse and inspiring group of peers. The major project I collaborated on with my FFG team coupled with the monthly Q&A sessions with industry leaders not only expanded my knowledge and various skills but challenged and stretched me. I would recommend the FFG Program to any emerging leader who wishes to make a positive impact on Melbourne while enhancing their leadership capabilities in a supportive environment.”

–> Simon Cartwright, Manager, Marketing, Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation

Read more FFG Alumni testimonials here