What Our Alumni Say…

Find your voice. Discover your ignorance. Supercharge your influence. Unexpected learning and exposure on every level. Phil

You will be stretched, and at times it will be difficult. At times, it will probably blow your mind, and it may send you a little crazy. You’ll probably cry. You will definitely laugh – quite a lot. You’ll meet and connect with the most incredible people along the way – often unexpectedly. You will learn more about yourself and you will understand others better. You will come out with a better understanding of your place in the world and where you’re likely to be able to do your best work. I cannot think of any other place where you’d get an opportunity like this – to have access to the insights and knowledge of so many different people on so many different topics. I recommend doing it. Kate

It is like becoming a parent – you think you understand what you are in for and you roll your eyes when people tell you to expect the unexpected but then BANG! Lauren

You will get back what you put into it, and if you do the work you will be richly rewarded. Mark

For applications tailored to Dairy…This is a course that will make you think differently.  It will open your eyes to the world outside of agriculture.  You will be challenged, inspired and equipped to come back into the industry and your business and have a positive impact. Tom

It takes a lot of effort and dedication and it is worth every bit of it. Blessing

You will meet great passionate people and learn about the opportunities and challenges in the Great South Coast region. If you care about your community and making a difference where you live, this is the course for you. Your leadership capability will grow over the journey and you will be better armed to take on the challenges that the future will hold. Peter

There are few personal or professional development programs out there that offer the opportunities, connections, personal growth and challenges that LGSC does. It will change you. Jacob

2020 Program Applications Open

Over $30K in Scholarships Available 

Are you ready to take the next step in your leadership journey? Yes! click here 

LGSC is for you if…

You are driven and passionate about your community and your growth.

You have leadership aspirations and potential for further professional and personal growth.

You looking to progress to a senior position in your sector.

You have the ability to commit the required time and energy to a development program and to engage as an active learner. 

Our Democracy at Work

When most people think of Parliament what springs to mind? The argy-bargy as two passionate teams fight it out, talking at each other across the room with the umpire, the Speaker, attempting to keep control? This argy-bargy is a real thing and we were lucky enough to witness the theatre of Victorian Parliament Question Time firsthand. Thankfully this is such a small part what actually happens in the Parliament sitting week. As a group we were all privileged to hear about all the good work and congeniality that exists within our government.

During these packed two days we heard many different angles on how the government has come to be what it is today. The prosperous beginnings of the 1850s were on display throughout the heritage building. Even if politics is not your thing, it’s worth the time to visit for this alone. However, politics, as unappealing to some it may be, was presented to us consistently as a worthy and rewarding career path. Somebody who considers themselves an ordinary Joe can reap great rewards if they take up this civic challenge. This community service is extended to opportunities to sit on boards, with the common thread being the importance of being in it for the right reasons. A South West local who held a position as a Senior Staffer informed us during a briefing it was the best job she had ever had.

We had the chance to meet several serving members and their staffers over an informal networking lunch. It was a great way to see the other side of our politicians away from Question Time mayhem or the interrogation of a reporter. The resounding message was that effectively lobbying, and the best outcomes could only be realised through clear and consistent messaging.

These two days were a real insight into the workings and function of the Parliament. All of the LGSC participants gained deeper understanding into the process of getting things done and the path required to ensure action from our government. With Melbourne’s street art admired and dumpling houses raided, it was back to the South West we went.

The Power of Voice

When you think of the Arts what comes to mind? Beauty, awe, inspiration, intrigue, and passion perhaps. How about the power of the message, or the voice of the arts and what is conveys about our community? The Tin Shed Singers certainly have the power of voice, singing ‘The Warrnambool Anthem’ and ‘We are the Sheddies’ with conviction, vigour and joy. The camaraderie of what it means to be in a local men’s singing group was strong. The Sheddies are one of eighteen singing groups in the Warrnambool region and Phil Shaw expressed beautifully the power of community voice to transform lives and it made me wonder how strong our community voice is to do just that – transform lives.

As community leaders are we using our voice with conviction, vigour and joy to transform lives in our community? Are we harnessing the creativity and innovation within to ensure we have a thriving, vibrant, resilient community that embraces individuality and connects people through unique experiences? The Warrnambool region is certainly creating opportunity to do just that. The street art, singing groups, live performances, exhibitions and creative textiles are examples of how local, and further afield artists, are bringing a sense of pride and identity to our community. Using the arts to tell our story and to build the future narrative of who and what we are as community is to be embraced.

As leaders lets unite and gather, bring in and embrace the many voices to share the rhythm, beat and vibe; to embrace the unique, creative and innovative; to tell the stories and build a rich, thriving, resilient and connected community that transforms lives.

Kate Roache, 2019 Program Particpant