Getting a project ‘shovel ready’, whether that is ready to pitch, launch, seek funding or actually start, takes time and careful planning.

We will step you through the following: 

• Understanding and refining the why, what and how of your project through developing a Project Plan

• Mapping the timeline of your project in a GANTT chart

• Estimating income and expenses in your project Budget template

• Assessing potential project risks and noting them in a Risk Register

• Mapping the people to be involved in or informed about the project in a Community Engagement Plan

• Consider what key messages will need to be delivered over the course of the project and noting them in a Communications Plan

• Knowing what community grants are available and how to complete a Funding Application.

This is a great opportunity to meet people across the region who are engaging in project management for the first time or brushing up on their skills. We will draw on all those in the room to finesse your planning over the three sessions and get your project ready to go!

Dates:

• 15 May 2026

• 22 May 2026

• 12 June 2026

Times: 9:30am - 3pm each session

Cost:

• $750+GST - Early bird, open until 17 April 2026

• $825+GST - Full fee paying, open until 6 May 2026

Scholarships are available for this program - please contact us to discuss.

Catering: lunch and morning tea provided

Venue: Deakin University, Princess Hwy Warrnambool

Facilitator: Josh McKenzie and guest facilitators

Josh brings a wealth of hands-on experience in project delivery, combining a strong technical background with decades of practical leadership across industry and community settings.

He holds a double degree in Organic Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and began his career in a patent attorney’s office before moving into pharmaceutical manufacturing, where he progressed from plant operator to management roles. He later built an extensive career in the gas industry, including serving as General Manager of a major facility, where he led complex projects, site shutdowns, and operational turnarounds.

Alongside his professional work, Josh has a long-standing commitment to his local community. He has served on the Timboon Healthcare Services Board for over 10 years, has been involved in surf life saving for more than 40 years, and teaches Taekwondo in Timboon—where he was the club’s first member back in 1990.

Josh is passionate about helping others turn ideas into well-planned, achievable projects. Through Project-Ready-Go!, he hopes to share practical tools, real-world insights, and a collaborative approach to help participants build confidence and get their projects ready to launch.

Group size: minimum 10, maximum 20

NB: Project delivery is not within the scope of this program.

Are you interested in our next Project-Ready-Go! workshop? Register here.