We caught up with Jared Wilson, Senior Coordinator Community Safety, Alexandrina Council, about what led him to participate in the Emerging Leaders Program, his experience organising a recent module with his group, and what he's most looking forward to as part of the development opportunity. 

You were part of the organising group for the media and engagement module. What did you want the cohort to get out of the module?

At the outset, we aimed to showcase the transformation of media through the ages. However, as the module developed, our focus evolved. By the time the module day arrived, we wanted the cohort to gain a deeper understanding of the modern media landscape and to recognise that, regardless of their roles within their respective councils and organisations, everyone has an important part to play in how they engage with the media. In addition, we aimed to help participants develop greater awareness of the different types of media that exist today, as well as explore the growing influence of AI in shaping media content and how this, in turn, impacts what communities see and experience.

How did you find organising the module with your group?

I really enjoyed organising the module; it was fun, engaging, and at times, a welcome challenge. The group brought together a wonderful mix of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, both professionally and geographically. While it wasn’t always easy to coordinate across busy schedules, the teamwork and flexibility everyone showed made the process rewarding. Seeing everything come together on the day, even with a few last-minute changes and technical hiccups, gave me a real sense of accomplishment. Overall, being part of organising the module was an enriching experience that opened my eyes to new opportunities, meaningful connections, and valuable learning along the way.

What was your biggest takeaway from the module?

My biggest takeaway from the Media and Engagement module was developing a clearer understanding of how media functions and the important role it plays in shaping communication. I also learned how to manage media requests with greater confidence and professionalism, which helped me appreciate the balance between responsiveness and maintaining control of key messages. I also discovered how artificial intelligence can serve as a valuable tool in supporting media engagement and content creation.