THE inaugural Limestone Coast Leadership Program (LCLP) is under way with the first session held in Robe this week.
A select group of 16 participants from the Limestone Coast’s seven council areas will undertake a transformational personal and professional development journey over the next eight months.
Limestone Coast Local Government Association (LCLGA) program coordinator Ali Auld said the community capacity building program was designed to overcome barriers that similar city-based programs present in terms of costs for travel and accommodation, time away from work and lack of regional context and networking opportunities.
“It aims to build leadership capacity and develop networks of skilled and motivated people who can support each other to take on roles and projects for the benefit of the regions community and economy,” she said.
The Limestone Coast Economic Development Groups identified mobilising regional leaders as one of its priorities, following repeated feedback from regional stakeholders.
“There is great leadership potential in the Limestone Coast and this program intends to invest in the leadership skills of a more diverse cohort in our community,” LCLGA president Erika Vickery said.
“The LCLGA is very proud to be the host of the Limestone Coast Leadership Program.”
Program participants will also work together on several community action projects that address real issues in the region.
“Many rural, regional and remote communities struggle to develop and retain leadership capacity both in quantity of leaders and extent of their skills,” Ms Auld said.
“Sustainable, ongoing leadership programs in other states, have been shown to produce wide ranging social benefits including active citizenship, increased capacity, shared purpose and supporting participants to be catalysis for community action.”
Applications for the 2020 LCLP will open in July.
Business, industry and community organisations are invited to partner in this community capacity building program through sponsorship or scholarships.
Contact Ali Auld at leadership@lclga.sa.gov.au for further information.
