Written by William Ellis
Serving on the Dubbo Student Representative Committee (SRC) has been one of the most rewarding and formative experiences of my student journey, significantly developing my leadership, teamwork and communication skills.
One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is that effective leadership is not about taking charge alone but rather bringing people together. Working with individuals who offer different perspectives, experiences and strengths has taught me the importance of collaboration. True leadership involves active listening, encouraging creative thinking and making sure everyone feels heard and valued. When team members feel respected and included, the results are not only more innovative but also more reflective of the wider student community.
As President of the Dubbo SRC, I have witnessed firsthand that no event or initiative is ever a one-man job. It takes shared effort, effective communication and mutual trust to get things rolling! Organising events has become one of the most fulfilling parts of my role. I genuinely enjoy every stage of the process—from brainstorming and planning to execution and post-event reflection. There is a unique satisfaction in creating experiences that bring people together, lifting spirits and make students feel more connected to campus life. These moments remind me of why I joined the committee in the first place: to serve, support and uplift our student community.
Throughout this journey, I have also developed a stronger sense of resilience and adaptability. Events do not always go as planned and I have learned how to remain calm under pressure, find solutions swiftly and keep in mind the bigger picture. Learning to navigate challenges while staying positive and focused has strengthened not only my leadership skills but also my ability to work effectively as part of the team. I have come to see challenges not as setbacks but as important opportunities to grow.
Another key takeaway has been the importance of managing disagreements constructively. With diverse opinions and perspectives come with inevitable differences (it happens everywhere!!), but how we approach those differences determines the strength of our team. I have learned to handle conflict with empathy and professionalism, always aiming to find a common ground while respecting varying viewpoints. These experiences have taught me that a healthy, respectful team culture is essential for long-term success!
In all, my time in the Dubbo SRC has been about more than just organising events or holding an office—it has also been growth, collaboration and making real impacts. I will carry these lessons with me long after my time as a student, with a deeper understanding of what it means to lead with empathy, integrity and a genuine commitment to others.
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative.
