$99,000 FOR LEADERSHIP BALLARAT AND WESTERN REGION

Wednesday, 16 July 2008
The Victorian Government will inject $99,000 to support the Leadership Ballarat and Western Region program to foster the next generation of regional leaders.

In Ballarat for a Leadership Ballarat and Western Region celebration, Mr Brumby said the funding would assist in the program’s ongoing development, boosting its capacity to deliver programs targeting regional leadership.

“Effective leadership skills are essential for continued growth across regional and rural Victoria and our Government is committed to supporting the development of the state’s future leaders,” Mr Brumby said.

“This program builds relationships with established leaders to enhance new ideas and solutions, helping people from diverse backgrounds work together towards positive changes in their communities.

“It is through locally driven leadership programs like the Leadership Ballarat and Western Region that the region will continue to build a bright future.” 

Leadership Ballarat and Western Region was established in 2005 by the Committee for Ballarat.

The program seeks to develop and enhance the quality of future leaders across the City of Ballarat, Ararat Rural City and Hepburn, Moorabool, Golden Plains and Pyrenees shires.

The Brumby Government is providing the $99,000 through Moving Forward, the Government’s $502 million plan to make provincial Victoria the best place to live, work, invest and raise a family.

“The program is modelled on the successful Williamson Community Leadership program and also draws on the experiences of other established regional community leadership programs,” Mr Brumby said.

Mr Brumby said the Victorian Government was supporting the Leadership Ballarat and Western Region program because it would encourage imaginative and informed thinking about the future of the region and provide a stimulus to develop its vision.

“This Leadership Ballarat and Western Region program will help increase people’s participation in leadership roles the Ballarat and Western Region and provide a structured program to increase their leadership skills,” he said.

“There are numerous benefits in supporting and developing leadership programs, with many people involved in such programs becoming active community and business leaders.

“The Brumby Government is working in partnership with local communities to drive new growth and investment opportunities across regional and rural Victoria and I want to congratulate all those who have worked so hard to make the Ballarat and Western Region initiative such a success."