Leaders explore Great South Coast health & wellbeing

The LGSC Program participants explored all aspects of health and wellbeing across the Great South Coast at Timboon Health Services. The key topics of the day being the social determinants of health in the Great South Coast and mental health. 

The afternoon was filled with emotions when the group heard an inspiring and brave story of a lovely young lady that overcame and is continuing to work on her mental illness issues and has made some positive changes to her life. This story brought the group to tears of sadness but also happiness. We thank her for her bravery in sharing her story. 

A huge thank you to Timboon Health Services for hosting us, and to our speakers Lynda Smith South West Primary Care, Barry Clarke Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria and Meredith Ericson CEO, Manager Suicide Prevention Services, Lifeline Victoria.

If you or someone you know is experiencing issues with mental health please seek help by contacting Lifeline 13 11 14. This is a free anonymous service available to everyone.

A 2016 Participants reflection

‘I commenced the LGSC program in February  with the understanding it would challenge my existing beliefs and awareness of key issues facing the region and the opportunities which are available.

It has certainly done this.

The journey has also provided a fantastic platform to improve my skillset, my knowledgebase and my networks across the region, enhancing my performance within my role at Wannon Water, and personally within the local community’.

Robbie 2016 Program Participant

An extract from Carly’s mid Program Report July 2016

The LGSC program could not have come at a better time for me and it has certainly exceeded my expectations…

The program began with an Opening Retreat weekend, followed by Program Days falling nearly once each fortnight since then. Each Program Day has a particular theme and includes presenters from a range of backgrounds and offering various viewpoints.

The Program Days open our minds to key issues and opportunities that take place in the Great South Coast, while also providing paralleled insight into leadership, personal refection and inspiration, while also challenging our own viewpoints and understandings of how we see the world. Every program day I have walked away thinking that my world has been opened up and that my mindset has expanded.

In fact, most days I leave saying that my brain hurts.

Carly 2016 Program Participant

Our Port of Portland Vist

LGSC participants recently visited Portland and talked with major industry representatives about economic drivers and challenges.

Committee for Portland’s Anita Rank shared their vision of providing opportunities for economic growth and community development. The Committee for Portland have a wide range of initiatives to support business development and the attraction of skilled workers creating a more prosperous and sustainable region.

Portland Aluminum Plant Manager Peter Chellis attributed strong leadership skills and focus on training and leadership development as a key to the plants success.

South West Fibre, Resources Manager, Alison Read (LGSC Alumni) highlighted the significant economic  contribution of the forest industry through trade and employment while focusing on conserving cultural heritage.

To conclude our day, participants were taken on a guided tour of the Port to see industry in action while discussing the positive impact the Port has on the environment, tourism and the community.

Participants learned about the strong economic contribution made by the Port or Portland’s activities including international exports and the wide range of resources that come through the port.

Angela Runganga

A big thank you to the Port of Portland for hosting us and providing a comprehensive Port tour conducted by Port of Portland Engineer, Mark Kamphuis and Business Development Manager, Kara King

Thanks to the Committee for Portland, Keppel Prince, South West Fibre and Portland Aluminum for their ongoing support of LGSC.