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Future Leaders Explore Eco Tourism
Participants of LGSC were privileged to spend the day at Lake Condah expanding their knowledge on ecotourism and seeing the country through indigenous eyes. Participants experienced the special connection to land and nature on the guided walking tour of Mt Eccles and Lake Condah. Denise Lovett Gunditjmara Woman and Tyson Lovett-Murray Gunditjmara Man generously gave their time to educate participants on the history of the Budj Bim landscape and the deep connection Gunditjmara people have with their country. The future leaders also explored the lake and its significance in Gunditjmara history, the vast potential the area has for eco-tourism and finally a look into the master planning for future development of the historic Budj Bim.
Damien Bell, CEO of Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Cooperation, spoke to the group about the application for the Budj Bim Landscape to become a listed world heritage site, promoting nature based tourism and contributing to the economy whilst preserving history. With a lot of work needing to be done to improve tourism, the master planning addresses expanding the capabilities of the region and bringing back some of the historic artefacts held elsewhere to promote visitors to the region. Damien left the group with some leadership aspects to ponder from social justice, collaboration, working as a collective for our region and the responsibility that it brings.
A Final Retreat Story
Well our 2016 Final Retreat has come all to soon but for good reason! With 2016 Program Participant Paul Ross heading off to Antarctica on 26 Oct (to Lead Casey Station for 14 + months ) we pulled our Final Retreat forward so Paul could complete all Program requirements and graduate virtually. Thanks to all our participants and their employers for making this happen for Paul! Leadership in action!
We had a busy couple of days at Ginger Kitchen, Conference Centre exploring our values, signature strengths, professional motivations, our leadership toolkit and so much more.
With the fabulous Corrinne Armour leading the way we once again stepped out of our comfort zones expanding our skills, knowledge and experiences.
This year we have had a baby (the beautiful Gloria), a pregnancy and now at the end of Final Retreat an engagement…congratulations to Jess and Matt!
We have one more day left in the 2016 Program (our Budj Bim Field Trip) then off to Graduation on 1 Dec.
Future community leaders put plans into action
Volunteerism Program Day the LGSC participants reflected on their collective past and potential voluntary contributions, before working up a sweat for Foodshare.
Between them, the 16 participants of the program have contributed many volunteer hours to over 100 different organisations to date. Roz Wolmerring brought 20 years of experience in the community sector to the conversation, supporting the aspiring leaders to develop personal plans documenting their volunteering goals. ‘The importance of volunteering cannot be underestimated’, said Ms Wolmerring, ‘the world needs all that you can give’ (EO Wilson).
For some practical experience, the group were guided by Dedy Friebe, Executive Officer of Warrnambool and District Foodshare. Participants brought along donations of staple items, unloaded delivery pallets, stocked shelves and made up hampers for those in need. In doing so, they gained an appreciation of the work of the organisation and its many dedicated volunteers. They were also treated to a mock rescue training exercise by 6 SES volunteers.
LGSC participants will complete the program in November and are expected to graduate with the knowledge and skills to contribute greatly to local community organisations into the future.
Thank you to all of our speakers for your generous contribution to the LGSC program, also to the Warrnambool SES for hosting the day.
A City Adventure
Emma Dart (2016 Program Participant) wrote a passionate blog for the Victorian Regional Community Leadership Programs website this month!
Read the full blog and reflect on Emma’s advice … Change begins at the end of your comfort zone, take a step.
Thanks
Emma
http://www.vrclp.com.au/blog/day-life-victorian-parliament/