Looking forward, taking an economic perspective!

The LGSC 2016 Participants came to the realisation that we are all facing some challenging times from aging populations, climate change, globalisation and technological advances.

Dr Stephen Ryan, Economic Development Coordinator, Regional Development Victoria spoke on the changing trends to the world wide economy with China slowing down, which he pointed out will drag on Australia’s growth.  He explained that countries like India are growing faster. China also has the problem of a ageing population, as does Australia, with India having a younger very well educated population.  He also touched on the debt problem of Europe and Australia. 

Gerard Lourey Murray Goulbourn (MG) Operations Manager Western Region then took us on the journey of MG and where the company is striving to be in the next couple of years.  The LGSC future leaders then participated in a tour throughout the impressive MG factory and given insights into their expansion plans for the future. 

As the day progressed Dr Greg Walsh, Director VLE Pty Ltd, Chairman of Champions of the Bush, Director of Great Ocean Road Beef and co – owner of two dairy farms, discussed the three Mega Global trends that will shift our region. Dr Walsh lead the participants into discussions regarding the future challenges including population growth and the major trading partners.

 Sue Cassidy

2017 Full Scholarship Announced

LGSC would like to thank the South West Community Foundation for their support of our aspiring community leaders via a full scholarship for our 2017 Program.

The Foundation has provided scholarships for LGSC applicants over the past three years and we are very grateful for their ongoing financial support.

To learn more about the great work the Foundation is supporting across South West Victoria visit http://www.southwestcommunityfoundation.org/

Foundation Donations can be made via their website.

Future Leaders Discuss Cultural Diversity

The LGSC participants experienced a cultural shock when they took part in a cultural diversity education day. The participants learned the value of building a strong culture in a work place, and the differences in cultures all around the world including the ongoing devastation in the middle east affecting millions of refugees. 

The event started with Lynda Ford explaining the crisis in Syria and the impacts on its people that is directly affecting family’s livelihoods to the extent they have no choice but to leave. Lynda has almost 30 years of experience in human services organisations and local government. She has worked in areas of child protection and community development with disadvantaged youth and families, with migrants and refugees.  Lynda shared her experience with the group and via an interactive session, the participants took part in a role playing exercise which told the heart wrenching story of a family of refugees who through all of the dismay were ‘lucky’ enough to gain access to Australia. 

After the main break of the day the mood took a turn focusing on cultural diversity in the work place. The discussion, led by Greg Wells, specialist business advisor and facilitator.Greg expressed that we should develop staff to be able to make their own decisions and that these decisions need to be safe, profitable and help the reputation of the business.  Greg left the group with an interesting quote to savour ‘at the end of the day your culture is defined by the behaviours that you reward (remember: if you see poor behaviour and you ignore it you are actually rewarding it by default). The standard you walk past is the standard you set.

Leaders Explore Local Education

The 2016 LGSC Program participants experienced a day of hard hitting reality checks re the state of education within our region.

The group heard from facilitator Sally Sudweek about how a lack of education can affect one’s socio economic status later in life. Sally’s belief is that building relationships with students is the key for teachers to gain the child’s respect and therefore beneficial academic results.

Locally, the Great South Coast Group’s “Beyond the Bell” program has a primary focus of improving the regions year 12 or equivalent attainment rates which currently sit at 18% below the states average and a massive 34% below the target. According to Beyond the Bells, Adele Kennealy the program is making progress in the early childhood areas, and with additional funding would have wider benefit.

After a full briefing of the current Deakin University situation form Shane Wilson and Felicity Melican the LGSC members went on to visit the WAVE School. With many members initially unaware of the existence of WAVE and its purpose we left with a great appreciation of the work fulfilled by the dedicated teachers/mentors at the school.

One thing is certain our Educational Program Day informed us about the significant work members of our community are doing to help improve education levels in our region. We are now collectively strong advocates and champions for education attainment.

Thanks to our presenters Sally Sudweek (Beewise Inc), Adele Kenneally (Beyond the Bell), Shane Wilson, Felicity Melican and Damien Farley (WAVE School).

Thanks to the Department of Department of Environment Land Water and Planning for hosting us.