June 13, 2019
Budding local leaders in the Wide Bay-Burnett region have been invited to take part in the inaugural “Leadership For Our Regions” program.
The program, the first in a series funded by the Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development, is being run by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) in collaboration with the Regional Australia Institute (RAI).
The Wide Bay-Burnett has been selected as the pilot location for the eight-day residential course, which will be split across two sessions.
The program aims to challenge participants to think reflectively and critically about themselves as leaders, explore the factors affecting the economic fabric of the region and establish viable initiatives to support future growth.
It is designed to be an immersive development opportunity and 24 scholarships are available.
“We’re really looking for individuals committed to their region who are looking for an opportunity to serve their community,” ARLF chief executive Matt Linnegar said.
RAI’s Liz Ritchie said the organisation’s research would enable participants to take “a deep dive” into the economic and social insights that underpin the Wide Bay-Burnett’s future.
Applications for the program opened on June 5 and will close on June 20, and the first session will begin in early August.
Local MPs Ken O’Dowd (Flynn) and Llew O’Brien (Wide Bay) both urged residents in their electorates to take up the opportunity.
“I am delighted the Wide Bay-Burnett region is the first to benefit from this fantastic new initiative, which will identify and foster aspiring regional leaders,” Mr O’Dowd said.
“The two sessions will give participants a stronger understanding of leadership and build a network of future leaders for ongoing collaboration, starting an important conversation about economic and social insights that will help secure the region’s future.”
Mr O’Brien said aspiring regional leaders would be able to share their ideas and visions of what the region should look like.
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the Federal Government was pleased to partner with the ARLF and RAI to support the initiative.
“This great new initiative is about supporting emerging leaders and equipping them with the economic tools and skills to drive prosperity and growth into the future,” Mr McCormack said.
“Leadership for our Regions is aimed at people deeply committed to their region who have a desire to serve the community by identifying and driving viable initiatives to support future regional growth.”
- More information about how to apply is available online
