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Coalition Government To Support Regional Leadership Programs A Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition Government will strengthen Gippsland’s Community Leadership Program, Nationals Member for Morwell Russell Northe said today. By Russell Northe - 20th October 2010 - Back to News A Coalition Government will establish a $6 million Regional Community Leadership Fund to provide funding over four years to secure and reinvigorate Community Leadership Programs across regional and rural Victoria.
The $6 million strategic initiative, delivered through the Coalition’s $1 billion Regional Growth Fund, will drive community leadership and create opportunity across regional and rural Victoria.
"Programs such as the successful Gippsland Community Leadership Program are invaluable to the resilience of our community because they educate and empower current and emerging leaders to proactively respond to local issues," Mr Northe said.
Mr Northe said the Gippsland Community Leadership Program was first established in 1996, and identifies emerging leaders from diverse background across Gippsland and supports the continuing development of future community leaders.
"Participants are drawn from profit/non-profit private sector business, union, public sector, rural, arts, community and volunteer agencies. In 2011, two financially supported positions will be offered for candidates from the Gippsland dairy sector."
Mr Northe said the $6 million fund would secure the current programs and encourage greater participant and primary donor involvement.
"As part of the program, emerging leaders of all ages and from various backgrounds work with regional leaders to identify and address a range of local issues, including regional development, water resourcing, renewable energy, and social issues such as multiculturalism, unemployment, homelessness and health.
"By sharing ideas, providing leadership support, and being actively involved in their local community, participants simultaneously build their own leadership skills and confidence."
Mr Northe said graduates of the Gippsland Community Development Program continue to make a positive difference in the local community.
"Graduates often maintain a local leadership role through participating on boards, offering professional advice, or working in community agencies and for not-for-profit organisations," Mr Northe said. "Community Leadership Programs foster inter-generational collaboration and drive well-balanced leadership succession.
"Only a Coalition Government is committed to securing Community Leadership Programs into the future so that regional and rural Victoria can continue to contribute to Victoria’s fortunes."
Applications for the Gippsland Community Leadership Program 2011 are now open, and close Friday 19 November. To apply contact i-Gain on 03 5135 4300 and ask for a copy via email. Media: Russell Northe 0408 22 55 23 / Julia Auciello 5133 9088
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com

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Morwell’s Gippsland Sports and Entertainment Park celebrates a $45 million redevelopment, featuring five playing surfaces, 1,200 seats, upgraded facilities and new event spaces. - State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre in Wonthaggi receives major flooring upgrade, enhancing accessibility, creativity and community connection
Living Local Regional Fund support has upgraded Bass Coast’s historic State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre, improving safety and accessibility while strengthening community programs, creativity, wellbeing, fitness and social connection. - Flight test command centre opens, strengthening Latrobe's role in Australia's advanced aviation innovation sector and creating new opportunities
Latrobe's new Flight Test Range Command Centre has opened at Latrobe Regional Airport, supporting advanced aviation research, drone technology, investment, manufacturing growth and skilled jobs across the region. - Latrobe City Council welcomes enforcement action targeting illegal tobacco and vape trading to improve community safety and support local businesses
Latrobe City Council has welcomed enforcement action by Tobacco Licensing Victoria and Victoria Police’s Viper Taskforce against illegal tobacco and vape trading, supporting community safety, lawful businesses and safer town centres. - Darren Chester calls for Aged Care Minister's resignation over home support delays
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has called for Aged Care Minister Sam Rae's resignation, citing lengthy Support at Home delays, unanswered assistance requests and thousands of deaths while awaiting support. - Latrobe City Council pushes for jobs, investment, housing and community safety during Victorian Parliament delegation
Latrobe City Council has urged Victorian leaders to back jobs, housing, investment, community safety, energy transition projects and infrastructure to strengthen long-term regional economic growth. - Darren Chester releases 2026 Age Pension Guide to help older Gippslanders navigate retirement support and services
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has released his 2026 Age Pension Guide, providing older Gippslanders, pensioners, carers and families with information about pensions, concessions, aged care and government services. - South Gippsland offers more than 40 free and low-cost activities during Victorian Seniors Festival month this October
South Gippsland will celebrate Victorian Seniors Festival month in October with more than 40 free and low-cost activities, including movement, sport, socialising, learning, arts, culture and creative events for seniors. - Gippsland commuters stranded after V/Line services end early, prompting calls for reliable regional rail services
Melina Bath criticised Gippsland rail disruptions after AFL fans were stranded following an early service cutoff, calling for reliable regional transport and promising 1,110 additional seats on Traralgon and Bairnsdale services. - Traralgon Tyers interconnect begins, strengthening water supply reliability and resilience across four Gippsland towns for future regional growth
Gippsland Water has begun construction on a 4.5-kilometre pipeline linking four towns to Traralgon’s water network, improving reliability, resilience, efficiency and capacity for future regional growth. - Baw Baw Shire opens applications for artists seeking up to $2,000 grant through Arts and Culture Fund Program, apply by 28 October 2026
Baw Baw Shire is inviting local artists and creatives to apply for up to $2,000 through its Arts and Culture Fund, supporting projects that strengthen creative practice and community participation.
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