JCI Illawarra

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JCI Illawarra

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Join a global network of 200,000+ young leaders. JCI Illawarra is a member-based non-profit organisation.

Through our events and networking opportunities, we provide a platform for young professionals to develop their skills, expand their network, and create meaningful change. We are part of a global network of more than 200,000 young people aged 18-40, which is present in more than 100 countries. JCI is an organization that provides its members with opportunities that empower them to create positive change both in their life and the Illawarra region.

27/10/2026

🔥 JCI Australia National Convention 2026 – Brisbane! 🔥

What an incredible weekend celebrating leadership, achievements, friendships and the amazing impact of JCI across Australia!

Last weekend, JCI Illawarra had the pleasure of attending the 2026 JCI Australia National Convention in Brisbane, connecting with fellow JCI members from across the country, celebrating another fantastic year and recognising the incredible contributions of our members and local organisations.

🏆 A huge congratulations to our award winners and leaders!

Congratulations to our 2026 JCI Australia National President Alex Beard on your leadership, dedication and commitment throughout the year. Thank you for everything you have contributed to JCI Australia!

Congratulations to our incoming 2027 JCI Australia National President Marco Lam! We look forward to seeing your leadership and vision come to life in the year ahead.

Congratulations also to our very own Marie Russo for being re-elected to the National Board for 2027!

🏅 Fabio Santiago – Most Outstanding Member Award
An incredible achievement and so well deserved! We couldn't be prouder!

🏅 Annabel Hickling Smith – Presidential Commendation Award
A huge congratulations to Annabel on this wonderful recognition! We are so proud to see your efforts recognised nationally.

🏆 JCI Illawarra – Most Outstanding Program Award
We are absolutely thrilled to have received this award for our Ambition Ignited: Illawarra Young Leaders Lab event! 🔥

This event was all about bringing together ambitious young professionals, inspiring leadership, building connections and showcasing the opportunities available through JCI. To have our efforts recognised on a national stage is an incredible achievement and a testament to the hard work, creativity and dedication of everyone who helped bring this event to life.

These achievements reflect the passion and commitment of our members, who continue to go above and beyond to create positive change in our community.

A huge thank you to JCI Australia, JCI Brisbane and everyone involved in organising such a memorable National Convention. It was a fantastic weekend filled with inspiration, celebration and connections!

📸 Here are a few highlights from an unforgettable weekend in Brisbane!

24/07/2026

Tickets are now open for JCI’s Ambition Ignited: Illawarra Young Leaders Lab.

For one evening, we’re bringing together a carefully considered group of emerging leaders from across the region to step away from the day-to-day and focus properly on what comes next.

You’ll leave with:
• A clearer picture of where you want to be in 12 months
• Three meaningful goals and a practical first step for each
• An accountability partner to help you keep moving

The night will also include grazing and refreshments, the Ripple Awards, the official launch of JCI’s 2026 MentorMe program and time to meet people doing interesting things across the Illawarra.

📅 Friday 7 August 2026 from 6pm
📍 Hotel TOTTO

Places are intentionally limited to keep the room personal.

Book your place via the link in the comments 💬

20/07/2026

Something big is taking shape for emerging leaders across the Illawarra.

On Friday 7 August, JCI is bringing together a limited room of ambitious under 40’s to think seriously about what they want from the next 12 months, and who they’re going to need around them to make it happen.

More details coming soon. Save the date.

07/07/2026

🔥 What's On at JCI Illawarra | July – December 2026 🔥

The second half of 2026 is packed with exciting opportunities to connect, develop, lead and make a positive impact!

From our MentorMe Program and Ambition Event to leadership training, networking, community projects and our end-of-year celebrations, there's something for everyone.

📅 Check out our What's On guide and save the dates, we'd love to see you at our upcoming events!

✨ Whether you're a current member or have been thinking about joining JCI Illawarra, now is the perfect time to get involved.

👀 Stay tuned over the coming days as we'll be sharing more information about our MentorMe 2026 Program and Ambition Event.

If you'd like to learn more about JCI Illawarra or come along to an event, we'd love to hear from you!

Let's Ignite the rest of 2026! 🔥

30/06/2026

**Masterclass Series – Session 1**

Last Thursday, JCI Illawarra officially launched our 2026 Masterclass Series with an inspiring session on The Power of Communication and Resilience, presented by Shiva Gopalan.

A huge thank you to Shiva for delivering such an engaging and practical workshop, and to everyone who attended and contributed to the evening. It was fantastic to see members and guests connecting, learning and growing together.

This is just the beginning, and we can't wait to bring you more professional development opportunities throughout the year.

Stay tuned for our next Masterclass, along with the launch of our Mentor Me Program and Ambition initiative.

22/06/2026

🇯🇵 ✈️ Back from ASPAC 2026!

What an incredible week representing JCI Australia at the 2026 JCI Asia-Pacific Conference (ASPAC) 2026 in Niigata, Japan from 9–14 June.

JCI Illawarra was proudly represented by Bianca Starcic and Marie Russo, alongside an amazing delegation of Australian members, alumni and senators from chapters across the country.

ASPAC is more than just a conference – it's an opportunity to connect with passionate young leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region, share ideas, develop new skills, and build friendships that extend far beyond borders.

A special congratulations to Marie, who not only attended the National Trainer Program but also stepped onto the international stage to participate in the Public Speaking Competition. Your commitment to leadership and empowering others through training continues to inspire our JCI community.

Throughout the week we experienced world-class training, inspiring keynote speakers, cultural exchange, networking opportunities and the chance to showcase the strength of JCI Australia on the international stage.

Thank you to everyone who made ASPAC 2026 such a memorable experience. We return home energised, inspired and excited to bring new ideas and opportunities back to our local communities.

🌏 Leadership has no borders.

📸 Check out some of our favourite moments from the week below!

06/05/2026

A few weeks ago, some of the JCI Illawarra Board had the opportunity to take part in Governance Training facilitated by Marie Russo through JCI Australia.

The session provided valuable insights into governance, leadership, board responsibilities, and building strong foundations for the future of our chapter. It was a great opportunity to learn, collaborate, and continue developing the skills that help us grow as leaders and better support our members and community.

A huge thank you to Marie for sharing her knowledge and experience with us. We’re excited to continue putting these learnings into action throughout 2026 as we continue to ignite leadership across the Illawarra 🔥

13/04/2026

Last week’s Trivia Night & Dinner was such a great way to break up the week! 🧠✨

We loved seeing everyone come together for some friendly competition, plenty of laughs, and new connections at Hotel Illawarra.

If you’ve been thinking about joining a JCI Illawarra event, this is your sign, we’re all about fun, relaxed catch-ups with amazing people.

Stay tuned for our next event… we’d love to see you there! 🙌

06/04/2026

Join us TOMORROW night at The Illawarra Hotel for trivia!

Think good company, a few drinks, and a little friendly competition. Come along solo or bring a friend, we’ll make sure you’re looked after.

If you’re 18–40 and keen to connect with other young professionals, we’d love to see you there 👀

📅 Wednesday, April 8th
⏰ 6:30–8:00pm
📍 The Illawarra Hotel

Address

Wollongong, NSW
2520

Website

http://www.jciillawarra.org/

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