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Applications open for 2025 Gippsland Community Leadership Program to empower local leaders in Gippsland

Committee for Gippsland announces applications are open for the 2025 Gippsland Community Leadership Program, empowering local leaders to address regional challenges and foster community engagement.

By news@gippsland - 24th October 2024 - Back to News

The Committee for Gippsland (C4G) is pleased to announce that applications for the 2025 Gippsland Community Leadership Program (GCLP) are now open. This marks the 29th year of identifying and empowering leaders from across the Gippsland region.

GCLP provides insights into Gippsland's challenges and opportunities, fostering leadership skills, community engagement, and collaboration across sectors for positive change

Developing Gippsland leaders

Committee for Gippsland CEO Tony Cantwell said GCLP is one of Australia's longest-running regional leadership programs and continues to play a vital role in developing local leaders, particularly as the region faces an energy transition and the closure of the native timber industry.

"GCLP provides participants with an in-depth understanding of both the challenges and opportunities Gippsland faces, while developing individual leadership skills and inspiring further community engagement. This program emphasises the importance of community connectedness, encouraging participants to work with industry, community, government, regional leaders, local schools, sporting clubs, charities, or not-for-profits to drive positive change in Gippsland."

"The Committee for Gippsland is proud to be delivering the GCLP, building participants' confidence, leadership skills, and knowledge of the region while strengthening local communities and industry", Mr Cantwell said.

Leadership program impact

Erika McInerney, GCLP Program Manager, highlighted the impact of the program in cultivating local leadership. "Our participants come from all walks of life and industries, yet they share a common passion for Gippsland's future. Through GCLP, we aim to connect them with the right people and knowledge, enabling them to become catalysts for positive change in their communities", Erika McInerney said.

Committee for Gippsland and the Gippsland Community Leadership Program would like to thank the South Gippsland, Baw Baw, Bass Coast, Latrobe City, East Gippsland and Wellington councils for their sponsorship of the 2025 program, as well as our scholarship providers and supporters who continue to help us deliver this vital regional initiative.

For more information or to apply for the 2025 GCLP, visit Committee for Gippsland - Community Leadership Program website.

Pictures from Committee for Gippsland website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Phillip Island prepares for final MotoGP weekend celebrating three decades of racing, community spirit, entertainment and history
  Phillip Island will host its final MotoGP from October 23-25, celebrating three decades of racing while showcasing community festivities, entertainment and the island’s motorsport legacy.
• Darren Chester congratulates Maffra student Jaxon Marshall on National Youth Parliament selection representing Gippsland in Canberra
  Maffra Secondary College student Jaxon Marshall will represent Gippsland at the 2026 National Youth Parliament, earning praise from Darren Chester for bringing regional and agricultural perspectives to Canberra.
• Nationals demand stronger policing as rising Latrobe Valley crime fuels growing community safety concerns and frustration
  The Nationals say rising Latrobe Valley crime and fewer police officers demand urgent Labor government action, calling for stronger policing, tougher laws and better resources to restore community safety.
• Latrobe City extends Phoenix partnership, securing NBL matches and delivering sporting, community and economic benefits
  Latrobe City Council has extended its partnership with South East Melbourne Phoenix, securing two NBL matches across the next two seasons, delivering elite sport, community engagement and economic benefits.
• The Nationals unveil $40M plan offering health workers incentives to fill critical regional jobs across Gippsland and Victoria
  The Nationals propose $40 million over four years for a Victorian Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme, offering eligible regional health workers up to $10,000 for relocation, accommodation and professional development.
• Carran Carran restoration project strengthens river health, habitat connectivity and flood resilience across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA's long-term Carran Carran restoration project is improving river health, reducing flood-related avulsion risks, restoring habitat connectivity, controlling willows and supporting native fish, agriculture and communities.
• New Bairnsdale worker accommodation nears completion, boosting healthcare workforce capacity across East Gippsland communities
  Bairnsdale new 28-apartment healthcare worker accommodation is nearing completion, providing affordable housing for up to 32 staff and strengthening regional health services while supporting local jobs and investment.
• New Bairnsdale footpath to improve access between Princes Highway and key health and community facilities
  A new 280-metre concrete footpath will link Bairnsdale’s Princes Highway with key health and community facilities, improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians, with construction beginning September 21 and lasting six weeks.
• Bass Coast businesses celebrated at 2026 Business Awards, recognising excellence and community contribution
  The 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards celebrated local business excellence, with Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling & Entertainment Centre named Business of the Year after winning four awards.
• Metung mother Lily Martyn establishes foundation supporting neurodivergent children, young people and families across Gippsland
  Metung mother Lily Martyn has launched Do It For Foundation Gippsland, supporting neurodivergent children, young people and families. The foundation has connected 95 East Gippsland families seeking support, understanding and practical solutions.
• 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.
• Baw Baw Shire expands environmental rebate to encourage reusable products, cut waste and boost community sustainability
  Baw Baw Shire Council has expanded its environmental rebate into three categories, helping residents buy reusable products, reduce landfill waste, improve recycling, and support more sustainable households through partial purchase rebates.
• Maryvale Recreation Reserve redevelopment delivers upgraded sporting facilities, accessibility and community infrastructure
  Maryvale Recreation Reserve has undergone a $1.39 million redevelopment, delivering accessible cricket facilities, upgraded amenities, improved drainage, resurfacing and safety improvements through state government and Latrobe City Council funding.
• Labor announces four new regional early learning centres for 2029, expanding access to kindergarten and long daycare places
  Labor will open four new Early Learning Victoria centres in Alexandra, Drouin, Hamilton and Seymour from 2029, providing more than 400 childcare and kindergarten places across regional Victoria.
• Darren Chester welcomes progress on critical Krauatungalung Walk boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed progress on the Krauatungalung Walk’s next stage, with local firm DesignCo Builders awarded the contract to complete the critical boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance.
• Darren Chester welcomes progress on critical Krauatungalung Walk boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed progress on the Krauatungalung Walk’s next stage, with local firm DesignCo Builders awarded the contract to complete the critical boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance.
• Marlo's Healeys road timber bridge to be replaced with stronger steel structure built for 100 years
  East Gippsland Shire Council will replace Marlo’s ageing Healeys Road timber bridge with a $642,780 steel structure, improving safety, access, load capacity and long-term reliability for local users.
• Have your say on the Planning Scheme Amendment C161egip - Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area (Revised) to unlock growth until 21 September 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is simplifying planning controls in Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area, aiming to unlock housing growth, reduce red tape and support development over the next 30-plus years.
• 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.
• Six Latrobe Valley businesses receive funding to diversify, boost productivity and strengthen supply chains during economic transition
  Six Latrobe Valley businesses will receive funding through the Gippsland Supply Chain Resilience Program to improve productivity, purchase equipment, expand markets and strengthen supply chains amid regional economic transition.
• Baw Baw Employment Expo returns this September to connect job seekers with local employers and training providers
  Baw Baw Employment Expo returns September 30, connecting job seekers with local employers, vacancies and training providers. The free event also offers resume support, networking opportunities, industry insights, coffee vouchers and lunch.
• Trafalgar BMX track upgraded for safer, faster and more enjoyable riding experiences for local riders
  Trafalgar BMX track has reopened following a $26,000 upgrade, featuring reshaped jumps, straights and berms, improved drainage and enhanced safety. Council says the works will support active recreation and the growing local BMX community.
• Maffra student Jaxon Marshall champions resilient agriculture during National Youth Parliament visit to Canberra
  Maffra student Jaxon Marshall represented Gippsland at National Youth Parliament, delivering a passionate speech advocating resilient agriculture, regenerative farming, research and stronger support for farmers and Australia’s future.
• Wellington Shire Council retains in-house library service following review confirming best value for community needs
  Wellington Shire Council has endorsed the outcome of its Wellington Libraries Service Review, confirming library services will continue to be delivered as is.
• Darren Chester says Labor's national firearms buyback unfairly targets law-abiding regional firearm owners instead of addressing crime and security
  Nationals representatives Gemma Rendell, Darren Chester and Bridget McKenzie joined East Gippsland firearm owners in Bairnsdale, opposing Labor's buyback and further restrictions while supporting lawful firearm use in regional communities.
• Reliable water access drives Busch Organics' sustainable farming success and secures its fourth-generation future in East Gippsland
  Busch Organics relies on Mitchell River and groundwater to sustain organic vegetable production, while soil moisture technology, sustainable practices and family farming strengthen productivity and future generations.
• Cowes Freedom of Entry Parade marks 125 years of Australia's Commonwealth Naval Forces and naval service tradition parade on 7 August 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council invites the community to Cowes' Freedom of Entry Parade on August 7, celebrating 125 years of Australia's naval heritage with HMAS Cape Woolamai personnel and the Royal Australian Navy Band.
• Baw Baw Shire Council appoints Anthony Petherbridge as third new director following organisational restructure
  Baw Baw Shire Council has appointed Anthony Petherbridge as Director Community and Planning Services following its restructure, joining two new directors and bringing extensive strategic planning and executive-level local government experience.
• Latrobe City Council records strongest planning performance, leads Victoria in statutory decision timeframes
  Latrobe City Council has achieved its strongest planning performance, with 95.44 percent of applications decided within statutory timeframes following streamlined delegation reforms introduced in May 2025.