The Balanced Choice Anchor Conference 2026 (DWN)
Description
Balanced Choice (BC) is a values‑driven organisation creating meaningful impact across communities and workplaces. Anchored in the belief that integrity is a choice and empowerment grows through connection, BC delivers programs that inspire real world change and help build stronger, more compassionate, and resilient communities.
Drawing on lived experience, practical tools, and human centred insight, BC offers a proven approach for individuals and organisations committed to shaping a better future.
The 2026 Anchor Conference unites people and organisations across justice, youth services, education, mentoring, community work, and corporate sectors who believe genuine change begins with human connection and values‑led action.
It’s designed for people seeking a deeper understanding of integrity, compassion, and purposeful decision making. Whether you support young people, influence policy, guide teams, or work directly with communities, this gathering offers a rare chance to pause, listen, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most.
Join us for a day of truth, courage, and human connection. Leave anchored in your values, your choices, and our shared responsibility to shape a better future.
Special Guests
Anthony Green
Anthony Green is the proud and dynamic Principal of Nambour State College, leading its vibrant Prep–Year 12 community with passion. He champions student choice and wellbeing, creating an environment where young people are encouraged to grow, thrive and succeed.
Dr Peter Hayward
Dr Peter Hayward, a leading Australian Futurist and Senior Academic in Strategic Foresight. He is recognised for his work helping organisations navigate complexity and build resilient, long-term vision. His leadership in futures thinking continues to inspire innovation and guide transformative decision making across sectors.
Gus Rudolph
Gus Rudolph is a highly accomplished General Manager with extensive global and local pharmaceutical leadership experience. Gus is known for not only developing high performing leaders and teams, but also delivering significant business outcomes and expanding patient access to new medicines across Australia and New Zealand. Drawing on a career spanning senior roles in Australia, the United States, and South Africa, he has led major product launches across a diverse range of medical diseases. His leadership is defined by a strong commitment to people, patients, and planet.
Leanne Liddle
Leanne Liddle, Executive Director, Cultural Reform Northern Territory Police, is a nationally recognised champion for Aboriginal justice reform. Her leadership continues to inspire change and empower communities across the Northern Territory.
Robert Shewring
Bob Shewring OAM GAICD, a fourth-generation Territorian and Vietnam Veteran, has dedicated over 60 years to volunteering in various community service roles, including in sporting clubs and Not-For-Profit organisations. With a strong military family legacy, he served six years in the Regular Army and became a military researcher and author. He played a key role in the project 'Operation Bring Them Home' in 2014, advocating for the repatriation of Australian soldiers buried overseas, including Cpl Reg Hillier. His efforts led to the repatriation of these soldiers and earned him the title of “NT Senior Australian of the Year” in 2016. After retiring from a 15-year career in education due to PTSD, he continues to support veterans and their families as a volunteer in various capacities, striving to improve his community through mentorship and encouragement.
Agenda
- 8:45 am - 5:00 pm
The Balanced Choice Anchor Conference
Agenda 8:00am-8:45am Delegate Arrival & Registration 8:45am-9:15am Welcome & Opening 9:15am-10:00am Introducing The Anchor Adam Drake Company Founder, Adam Drake, details the development of The Balanced Choice Program and the creation of The Anchor - the acclaimed values system created in partnership with inmates from Corrections in the Northern Territory and Victoria. The Anchor offers a simple but highly effective process of provocation and self-reflection that can be applied by all people regardless of background, age, industry or experience. 10:00am-10:30am Morning Tea 10:30am-12:30pm Keynote: Building a foundation for change Father Greg Boyle and guests (Homeboy Industries, USA) In 1986, Father Boyle became pastor of Dolores Mission Church in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, one of the poorest parishes with the highest concentration of gang activity. During the "decade of death" (late 1980s to early 1990s), gang violence in LA claimed nearly 1,000 lives a year. In response, Father Greg established Homeboy Industries, a community intervention that has garnered international acclaim for delivering social enterprises, job training, counselling and re-entry services for thousands of men and women each year. 12:30pm-1:30pm Lunch 1:30pm-1:50pm Workshop: How theory deepens practice? Uncle (Dr) Peter Hayward Internationally respected futures thinker, foresight practitioner and educator, Dr Peter Hayward, has walked alongside Balanced Choice since it was created. His unique relationship with Founder Adam Drake has seen him apply an academic rigour to work created through delivery. Uncle Pete has used his research in theories of change management, organisational viability, sustainable futures and cultivating leadership to enrich the work of Balanced Choice. 1:50pm-3:30pm Voices that Shaped Balanced Choice Anthony Green, Gus Rudolph, Leanne Liddle, Robert Shewring OAM Four inspiring leaders from very different industries share their story, from rising to the top of their respective professions, to the principle challenges they have to navigate in managing their teams and achieving their goals. Each of these people has inspired the development of Balanced Choice. And each of them offers compelling insights into bringing people on a journey to deliver social impact. 3:30pm-4:00pm Afternoon Tea 4:00pm-5:00pm Commitment & Creative Reflection 5:00pm-7:00pm* Social gathering with Father Greg Boyle, the BC team and special guests. *Applicable to A Connection-Focused Option and The Complete Experience delegate packages only
FAQs
- Privacy Notice
To support your participation in The Balanced Choice Anchor Conference 2026, we collect personal information such as your name, contact details, dietary considerations and accessibility information. This information is used to manage registrations and communicate event updates. Your information is handled in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles. It is stored securely, accessed only by authorised personnel, and will not be shared with third parties except where required by law. You may request access to, or correction of, your personal information at any time by contacting us at info@balancedchoice.org
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