Fostering Regional Leadership
for Community Impact
Leadership Great South Coast
Purpose
Fostering Regional Leadership for Community Impact
Values
Agility, Growth, Leadership, Diversity & Inclusion, Community
Strategic Priorities
Leadership
Alumni
Impact
Background
In 1989 the Hugh Williamson Trustees established and funded the Williamson Community Leadership Program (WCLP) based in Melbourne. Re-named in 2000 to Leadership Victoria the Program continues to evolve fostering and developing a new generation of leaders.
The WCLP was originally modelled on a Chicago based program. Leadership Greater Chicago has been operating on a proven model for 30 years, cultivating Chicago’s business, public and civic leaders through a deeper understanding of the issues facing their community and each other, building a better Chicago.
In 1996 the first regional Community Leadership Program commenced in the Gippsland. Victorian now has 9 Regional Community Leadership Programs with Leadership Great South Coast established in 2012.
Our History
Leadership Great South Coast (LGSC) is an example of community leadership in action, dedicated to nurturing future leaders in the region.
The idea for LGSC began in 2008, led by Josie Black OAM and a group of passionate regional leaders who identified the need for leadership development through research and community consultation. Their work highlighted the importance of proactive, values-based leadership in driving regional change.
In 2009, a Steering Committee was formed to design a structured, experiential program tailored to local needs. After four years of determined lobbying, state funding was secured in 2012, and the first LGSC program launched with 14 participants.
Since then, LGSC has grown steadily, running annual programs for 16–20 emerging leaders and building a strong network of 195 alumni. The organisation officially incorporated in 2017 and continues to grow in strength and impact across the Great South Coast.
Leadership Team
-
KATE ROACHE
Executive Officer
she/her -
CATHERINE DARKIN
Program Manager
she/her -
HELGA SVENDSEN
Immersion Facilitator
she/her
Experiential Program
Leadership Great South Coast Inc. (LGSC) provides an annual flagship Community Leadership Program (CLP) for aspiring and emerging leaders drawn from all sectors of the Great South Coast region.
The CLP builds relationships and networks between the business, community and government sectors.
CLP participants are drawn from all three sectors, allowing participants to benefit from a variety of perspectives when considering the nature of leadership and the future of our community and its economic prosperity.
This program is experiential, designed to develop the skills and knowledge of aspiring and emerging leaders through contact with regional community leaders in the context of community issues.
Objectives of the Community Leadership Program:
Develop the skills and confidence to make a positive difference in community.
Increase knowledge and understanding of the social, economic and environmental challenges and opportunities across the Great South Coast.
Establish a lasting set of personal and professional networks.
Understand the importance of volunteerism within their community.
Board Members
-
![]()
RONDA HELD
Chair
Community Member
Board Director South West Healthcare -
![]()
ANGELA HEWETT
Deputy Chair
Employment Facilitator-Workforce Australia Local Jobs -
![]()
MELISSA MAHER
Treasurer
Finance Coordinator
Moyne Shire Council -
![]()
JACOB TAYLOR
Director of Finance
South West Healthcare
LGSC Alumni -
![]()
TRUDY MARR
Head of Strategy and Projects
are-able -
![]()
RACHAEL HOULIHAN
Deputy Editor
The Standard – Australian Community Media -
![]()
BARBARA MOLL
Leadership Program Manager
South West Healthcare
LGSC Alumni -
![]()
STEVE MYERS
Director
MPAA Studio -
![]()
PAUL DILLON
Co-Founder & CEO
Regional Rising -
![]()
JODIE HILL
CEO
Women’s Health & Wellbeing Barwon South West -
![]()
MARK BARKING
IT Coordinator
Mpower
LGSC Alumni
