Future community leaders are on the way

THIRTY people from diverse sectors of industry and varied career experience are undertaking LBWR19, the annual leadership program conducted by Leadership Ballarat and Western Region.

Under the auspices of Committee for Ballarat, LBWR19 is a year-long experiential learning program for emerging community leaders.

Michelle Whyte, LBWR executive officer said, “Community leadership plays out differently to other types of leadership.”

“Ordinarily you can defer to authority to solve a problem, like your boss for issues at work. In community, there is no authority, leadership will require mobilising people to effect change.”

The positive impact that past participants of LBWR program have on the region, by way of volunteerism, board appointments, involvement in the arts, community consultation and fund-raising, is what the organisation strives to achieve.

By way of encouragement for potential applicants there are a number of scholarships available.

This year GForce Employment Solutions and Agriculture Victoria increased the number of scholarship supporters to seven.

GForce Employment Solutions, is so confident in the ability of LBWR to foster the leaders of tomorrow that they have awarded a full-fee scholarship to Olivia Lorkin, a local entrepreneur.

Rob Birch, GForce CEO said, “We encourage inclusive employment and leadership opportunities and are committed to adding value to the region with local and socially-conscious endeavors, so it is a fitting association.”

“LBWR is a highly valued leadership experience that will positively benefit Liv’s professional development,” he said.

Olivia Lorkin, co-founder of Tech Studio, comes from a STEM background holding a Bachelor of Biomedical Science, is a volunteer with the SES, and is the vice president of Valeries Events Inc which is a LGBTQI initiative.

“I see receiving the GForce Emerging Young Leaders scholarship to attend LBWR19 as a way forward to contribute more in the community areas that I care strongly about,” Ms Lorkin said.

“I am very excited to have a learning partner – a mentor- during the program and the opportunity to gain knowledge in multiple different areas.

“I am very committed to doing my best during LBWR19.”