incorporating the Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program

Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program (LMCLP) - developing community leadership across central & north-west Victoria

LMCLP’s mission is to provide a broad based community leadership program that encompasses social, cultural, environmental, economical and technological aspects of our region.

Since its inception in 1998 the Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program Inc (LMCLP) has inspired and assisted hundreds of people from all walks of life to make a significant difference in their local communities and the wider region.

The Program helps participants build leadership skills, explores the major issues facing the Loddon north central region or Victoria, and facilitates positive change.

The outcomes of the leadership program have been:

• ongoing and/or increased leadership by participants in their community

• new and expanded regional networking and cooperation

• provision of forums for regional discussion through community open forums

• raised awareness of the region's value and importance to the economy

• new community initiatives implemented by participants through the program and beyond
   

Program design:

LMCLP runs between February and November each year and comprises a minimum of 21 program days (as well as a launch and graduation evening).

Up to 25 participants are accepted into the program each year from a variety of backgrounds (farming, business, arts, local government, industry, health, education, environment, community etc.) and a diverse age range of between 18 and 70.
 

Program objectives:

• Develop creative, courageous, confident community leaders

• Build on existing personal and community leadership skills

• Increase awareness and understanding of regional issues, resources and networks

• Establish a regional 'leadership network'

Program structure:

Participants are required to attend 4 weekend workshops/retreats during the year and 2 program days per month where they will travel throughout the Loddon Murray region for workshops and program sessions, in small towns and larger centres.

During this time they will be exposed to the nature and needs of their rural communities and given training in public speaking, media skills, effective communication, working in groups, meeting procedures, etc.

A mix of learning styles and experiences to challenge thinking and mindsets, in information and skills based format is provided and participants are encouraged to explore their own learning and leadership styles, values and beliefs in a supportive environment.

Participants create and implement a community project during their program year to enable them to learn through action and leadership roles are experienced during the year through participants chairing sessions, facilitating activities, evaluation and reflection.

The program also includes 'About Me' sessions where participants share their stories with the group to increase understanding and appreciation of diversity and operates within a confidentiality policy, which enables open and honest discussions between presenters and group members.

It is expected that participants will utilise the information and skills gained during the year to benefit the Loddon Murray Region and the wider region in the future.

It is expected that participants will attend at least 80% of program sessions.