LEAD Loddon Murray has announced its leadership program will continue next year amid threats of discontinuation.
LEAD Loddon Murray chair and Central Goldfields Shire Mayor Liesbeth Long said the organisation was determined to continue providing rural community leader training.
“This program has been crucial for the development of regional community leadership for over two decades, and we are excited that this legacy will continue in 2025,” Ms Long said.
Significant funding cuts and a looming deadline had made the Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program’s future uncertain.
Established in 1998, the LMCLP provides mentorship and guidance for participants to become community leaders in Victoria’s north-central region.
Over $20 million in volunteer hours are contributed by the program each year, boosting the social and economic status of the 10 local government areas in the region.
The program has over 600 alumni, including 11 candidates in this year’s state council elections, and others who have led initiatives in government, business and community groups.
Rochester Community House co-ordinator Amanda Logie, who was a participant in this year’s LMCLP, said the program was “incredible”.
“It’s been an amazing experience. It’s been confronting at times — quite a journey of both personal and professional growth,” Ms Logie said.
The program consists of online and in-person sessions, and multiple retreats across different areas in the Loddon Mallee region.
“You’re doing different things at each retreat, so focusing on different areas around community, leadership of the community, or growth of yourself,” Ms Logie said.
“Some of the confronting stuff is that vulnerability and that personal growth. Those kinds of things have been the unexpected bonuses of doing the program.”
Ms Logie said by the end of the program, which finished in early November, this year’s cohort felt like family.
Having worked in community development for the past 15 years, Ms Logie said the program had helped to develop her leadership, which has been a by-product of her devotion to Rochester.
“For me personally, it’s really given me the inner strength to continue doing what I’m doing for my community: that advocacy around, especially at the moment, flood mitigation,” she said.
“It’s an amazing opportunity. I really encourage anyone who’s ever thought about potentially doing it to just dive in there.”
While the LMCLP is confirmed this year, the organisation is focusing on building a more sustainable funding model to ensure the program can continue into the future.
Applications for the 2025 LMCLP are open now, with candidate recommendations to be finalised by late January for up to 25 participants.
LEAD Loddon Murray said they are excited to hear from anyone interested in participating in or supporting the program.
Those interested can apply at leadlm.org.au/lmclp, or contact info@leadlm.org.au for further information or to offer assistance.