Leadership program gets State support

A LOCAL community leadership development course has received State Government backing.

Announced last week, Future Shapers Ballarat is one of nine projects that will receive a share of $1.8 million from the Regional Community Leadership Program.

The program is designed to strengthen representation of women, First Nations leaders, multicultural community members and people living with a disability.

Future Shapers is auspiced by the peak state body known as Regional Leadership, which also received funding.

Chair of Regional Leadership, Jennifer Cromarty, said the community programs have been “an important component of building leadership capacity in our rural and regional communities.”

“With the support of the Victorian Government and Regional Development Victoria, leadership development is afforded to participants at subsidised rates, promoting equitable opportunity and boosting accessibility,” she said.

“Many programs also have specific scholarships in place to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation, not-for-profit organisations and for those who have barriers to participation or require other supports.”

Future Shapers was established by Committee for Ballarat in 2005 as Leadership Ballarat & Western Region.

It is a 10-month course that brings together 20 people from different industries “to think, question, build connections, effect positive change and build the leadership capability and capacity of Ballarat and the region and of the individuals themselves.”

Ms Cromarty said more than 200 people participate in regional leadership training every year.

“A key outcome [of the programs] is to ensure that regional and rural areas build capability in their people to continue serving and growing strong, resilient and caring communities,” she said.