2019 Program Applications NOW OPEN

Yes its that time of year again, our 2019 Applications are open – Interested to get more info:

 – Check out our Applications tab for info and to review our online application form

– Talk to our #ProudAlumni who are listed in our Year Book ( page 32)

– Have a chat with our current 2018 participants who say:

The personal and professional transformation during the first half of my Leadership Great South Coast journey has far outweighed my expectations. Andre 

Six months into the program and my confidence in my ability to contribute as a leader has grown enormously. Kate

At the half way point …the Program has already helped me develop my confidence and assertiveness. Mel 

The LGSC program has reinvigorated my personal leadership journey, which will have a rippling effect not only on myself, but also my staff and partners. Mark

Meet our 2018 Program Participants

Join us in welcoming our 2018 aspiring community leaders:

1. Blessing Furusa, Sinclair Wilson
2. Kate Haberfield, Wannon Water
3. Andre Barr, AB Electrical
4. Penny MacDonald, Corangamite Shire
5. Julie Neeson
6. Pamela Nix, Victoria Police Force
7. Melanie Bennett, Glenelg Shire
8. Phil Dennis, DET – The School for Student Leadership – Gnurad Gundidj Campus
9. Tony Harrison, Lyndoch Living
10. Trevor Carr, Portland Aluminium
11. Lauren Peterson, Grattons Gate Dairy Farm
12. Richard Wade, Moyne Shire
13. Julie Perry, Warrnambool City Council
14. Mark Brennan, Primary Care Partnership
15. Alison Quade, Southern Grampians Shire
16. Peter Gaffy, WestVic Dairy

Mental Health is about Wellness rather than Illness

“Mental Health” It’s an expression we use every day and is frequently misunderstood.

‘Mental health’ is often used as a substitute for mental health conditions – such as depression, and anxiety, However, according to the World Health Organisation, “mental health” is a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.

The subject of Mental illness, less than two decades ago, was only talked about in hushed tones. Now, it is now openly discussed and acknowledged, with services, support groups, websites available 24/7 to provide support and or information. It may not be a solution for those suffering with a severe mental illness; however, for the majority of the one in four suffering with a mental health condition it is a positive step forward, in addressing the causes and effects.

Having a Mental health condition is no longer thought of as being something for which you should be institutionalised, or god forbid, secluded in a remote back room, but instead recognised as something, that each and every one of us will likely experience at some time during our lives.

With the stresses that come with living life; from school, work, home and even parenting, it is unrealistic to think that we are all able to keep it together, all of the time.

It’s ok to have a “down/flat day” – it may just mean you need a chance to recharge or refocus. If it goes on for longer, then acknowledging that you are “not ok” is the first step to seeking out the help you need.

Building on your “Mental Health” skills and resilience, each time you struggle, will see you through most of what life will throw at you.

For more information on Mental Health Beyond Blue PH: 1300 22 4636
Support. Advice. Action

Our recent Healthy People – Healthy Connected Communities Program Day gave the participants the opportunity to explore a variety of topics which all effect our local communities; health Services, health prevention, mental health and suicide prevention to name a few. Thanks to our speakers – Lynda Smith; Population Health Coordinator, South West Primary Care Partnership, 2013 Alumni, Amy Silvester; Glenelg Suicide Prevention Network, Fred Nittsjo; Team Leader, South West Healthcare Mental Health Services.

Challenging the Status Quo in Education

“If you always do what you’ve always done, then you will always get what you always got.”

It’s a quote that has been attributed to a number of people including Henry Ford, and was used by Damian Farley, WAVE School Coordinator, during the Skilling our Region for the Future Program Day. Over the course of the day, LGSC participants gained insight into a number of complex issues relating to education in the region, including disadvantage and the changing workplace. Through discussion of these issues it became apparent that the way in which we educate our young people must evolve, to ensure that they are adequately prepared for the rapidly changing world in which they will live and work.

Our speakers presented the confronting reality of disadvantage in the region, as well as the importance of engaging with young people at risk of leaving the education system. The fact that 700 young people between the ages of 13 and 17 years in south-west Victoria are not in education or training, with approx. 250 of them in the Warrnambool area, is startling. Whilst there are skilled educators providing opportunities for disadvantaged young people to remain engaged, the broader issue of increasing the number of young people attaining year 12 or equivalent remains a challenge. While Beyond the Bell is undertaking initiatives to improve the region’s year 12 attainment rate, perhaps there is an opportunity for further change within the education sector at a policy level.

There is no doubt the issue of education is extremely complex. However, it is clear that the education system must evolve to keep students engaged and equipped with the skills for a rapidly changing future.

An example of change is Woolsthorpe Primary School where a growth mindset is encouraged alongside the development of problem solving skills through their Discovery Learning process keeping students engaged and preparing them for a fast changing world. This engaging process encourages students to identify what they want to learn and build skills as they undertake projects delivering real education outcomes that are student centered.

Thanks to our speakers – Ken Radley, Senior Education Consultant, Damian Farley, WAVE School Coordinator, Simon Perry, Principal at Woolsthorpe Primary School, Janette Brown, Executive Manager Education and Leigh Roberts, Senior Projects Manager Strategic Innovation and Educational Projects, from South West TAFE