Young leaders complete program

SIXTEEN emerging leaders from across seven Limestone Coast council areas graduated earlier this month marking the completion of a six-month leadership program delivered by Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast.

Throughout the program, participants strengthened their skills, built lasting networks, and prepared to lead meaningful change within their communities.

The program supported individuals ready to step into leadership roles whether in their workplace, business, or local community.

Participants took part in four immersive residential workshops focused on the themes of Leading Self, Leading Change, Leading Communities, and Leading in Action.

South Australian Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development and Minister for Forest Industries Clare Scriven, who attended the graduation event in Mount Gambier, praised the program’s impact on regional communities.

“The Limestone Coast Regional Leadership Development Program is an initiative that I am very proud to support. It is delivered in our local region, which is incredibly important for access for local people, and key to the success of regional communities,” Minister Scriven said,

“The leadership development program provides an invaluable opportunity for future, emerging and existing leaders to develop and refine skills as leaders in their communities.

“I congratulate all sixteen graduates and look forward to seeing them continue to develop in their roles as leaders in the Limestone Coast community.”

Over the course of the program, participants developed personal insight alongside practical skills in governance, project management, communication, and finance.

Each workshop was hosted in a different part of the region, offering a deeper understanding of the Limestone Coast’s diversity, challenges, and opportunities.

As part of their learning journey, participants applied the leadership tools and insights gained throughout the program to develop Community Action Projects.

Working in teams, they addressed real regional issues including healthcare, childcare, cost of living, and tourism, developing ideas with real potential to benefit their local communities.

The graduation event, held in Mount Gambier brought together community leaders, friends and family to celebrate the achievements of the 2025 cohort.

Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast CEO Lauren Oxlade acknowledged the growth of the graduates and the lasting impact of past participants.

“Previous participants are achieving great results in community and business, taking on Board roles, as elected members and driving change,” Ms Oxlade said. “We can’t wait to see the impact that these inspired individuals make.”

Graduates leave the program with increased confidence, a stronger sense of regional awareness, and the courage to influence positive change.

They now join a growing network of leaders committed to shaping the future of the Limestone Coast.

For more information on the RDALC’s Leadership program visit www.rdalc.org.au/leadership