Barr Planning, in partnership with the University of Newcastle – Newcastle Business School, was proud to host the latest event in the Leading Agenda series: Leading with Purpose – Shaping the Hunter’s Future.

Held on Thursday, 5 June 2025 at NuSpace in Newcastle, the event brought together leaders from across the region to explore how values-based leadership is reshaping businesses, communities, and industries in the Hunter.

The evening opened with Barr Planning Founder and Director, Stephen Barr, who reflected on Barr Planning’s journey as a purpose-driven planning consultancy practice, celebrating 10 years of positive impact. With deep roots in Newcastle and a strong commitment to social and community outcomes, Stephen spoke about the power of purpose-led leadership to drive long-term, meaningful change—highlighting Hunter leaders motivated by service, vision, and community, not just profit or position.

Spotlight on Purpose in Practice

Guests heard from two Hunter-based leaders:

• Sam Martin-Williams, Board Chair of NGM Group, shared how a focus on people-first business transformation and creating a strong and purpose-led strategy, the board can drive change for all stakeholders. Sam highlighted the synergy of the board and CEO in embedding values and their people’s commitment and capability to deliver the organisational outcomes in line with a shared purpose. She emphasised that people are central to everything and that profitability and purpose can be mutually beneficial.
• Lisa Evans, Group CFO of Home in Place, who stepped in to speak at very short notice, discussed the importance of aligning financial objectives with community needs. Drawing on her broad experience in both corporate and not-for-profit sectors, Lisa shared how business practices need to align with corporate values, with a focus on human outcomes – that if you lead with purpose, you lead with strength.

Panel Discussion: Leading with Purpose Through Change and Growth

The event concluded with a dynamic panel discussion facilitated by Rebecca Johnston, Director at Barr Planning. Panellists Sam Martin-Williams, Lisa Evans, and Dr. Caitlin Mollica – Lecturer in Governance and International Relations at the University of Newcastle – shared how purpose has shaped their leadership journeys. The discussion explored how clarity of values helps leaders navigate uncertainty, earn trust, and inspire sustainable growth and how leaders in the Hunter region are purpose-led, striving to deliver benefits for both their organisation and the community. The panel highlighted the need to give students – our next generation of leaders – the language and tools to make a positive change, the importance of profit for purpose to change lives in our community and how a values purpose driven culture can thrive.

Continuing the Conversation

Barr Planning extends a heartfelt thanks to all speakers, panellists, attendees, and partners – particularly the Newcastle Business School’s Christine Armstrong – for helping make the event a success.

As a values-based business founded in Newcastle and working across NSW, Barr Planning remains committed to fostering conversations that drive real impact. We look forward to continuing the Leading Agenda series as we champion leadership that builds stronger, fairer, and more connected communities in the Hunter Region and beyond.