City works to educate future leaders

THE City of Greater Geelong has announced the 13 graduates who successfully completed the council’s first Community Leadership Program.

The 22-week course – which began in July last year – was tailored for local residents and focused on learning new skills, building confidence, networking and advocacy.

Although the planned commemorative ceremony last week could not go ahead due to the coronavirus, graduates will receive official certificates to mark the achievement.

Those who earned a place in the inaugural program were asked to pitch a “novel project idea” aimed at benefitting the community.

The 13 successful participants were mentored by City of Greater Geelong leaders, including the mayor, councillors and directors.

Activities included musical workshops in Corio and Norlane, a neighbourhood walk in Waurn Ponds and a community stakeholder meeting in Ocean Grove.

The graduates are:

• Kambiz Ahadpour
• Luke Anderson
• Emma Bottomley
• Ian Campbell
• Bel Campbell
• Azadeh Doosti
• Josh MacKay
• Helen Mahar
• Alex Marshall
• Ali Shaterzadeh
• Jennifer Tuck
• Vicky Dunmore, and
• Mukhles Habash.

Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher offered her congratulations to the Community Leadership Program graduates.

“It was a pleasure to work with the participants and help their visions become reality,” Cr Asher said.

“Council is proud to provide programs that support future leaders and nurture bold ideas that benefit the community.”