Many thanks to our sponsors:


                     

                 

            

     

Project mission
Our mission is to provide the Geelong region with an alumni of inspired and well connected visionaries who will be in a position of knowledge to lead us into the future.

“... that ultimate success in community leadership will only be achieved if it stimulates participation by others who are also to be seen as in their own way leaders and not merely helpers.”
Sir James Gobbo

Background to the Program
In agreeing to research and initiate an appropriate leadership program, the Committee for Geelong was driven by what it believed was the great potential for such a program to serve as an important link to the future aspirations of the Geelong region.

Geelong is undergoing rapid growth and change as more people appreciate the business and lifestyle benefits of the region. The Committee for Geelong recognises the need to equip a new generation of business and community leaders with the skills, knowledge and networks to manage the City’s future responsibly and sustainably.

The Leaders for Geelong program is designed to expose emerging leaders to the challenges and opportunities that will shape the region, and prepare them to take the helm. Early in 2010 we will be recruiting participants for our fifth program. The feedback from participants in the first four programs has been exceptionally positive.

Over the past four intakes of the Leaders for Geelong Program 27% of employers have nominated participants in 2 program groups and an additional 30% in three or more and over one third of all participants have been promoted in their careers.

Bernard Nicholls, Coordinator - Off Campus Assessments, Deakin University (06/08)
"The Leaders for Geelong Program is an outstanding opportunity to tune into the issues confronting the region - and to participate in addressing them.  The knowledge, the networks and the camaraderie with other participants only make the experience more fulfilling.  I couldn't recommend it highly enough to employers and employees alike"

Rob Birch, Senior Manager - Operations, G-Force Recruitment (07/09)
"The leaders for Geelong program Offers a management representative the opportunity to develop and learn from very senior people within our community and the extensive networking opportunities that are/will open up"

	Committee for Geelong, Chairman Michael Betts "The strength of our community in future years will in large part be due to the quality of our community’s leaders. The Leader’s for Geelong program is filling that vital role of firstly identifying and then educating our future leaders on the complex issues facing our community in the future."
	Leaders for Geelong, Chairman Kevin Roache “This professional training program is designed to provide a leadership-enriching experience that broadens participants’ horizons through interaction with a diverse group of people.”
	Leaders for Geelong, Program Director Jean Paul  “Our goal is to turn out high-calibre graduates who are empowered and encouraged to maintain a lifelong commitment to community leadership.”

Executive Summary
This two-year program develops participants’ skills through exposure to business and community leaders, interaction with other participants and discussion of case studies. Our goal is to educate our participants by introducing them to current business and community leaders and experts in their fields, who then share their knowledge on the issues, opportunities and challenges that impact on the Geelong Region, locally, nationally and globally. Themes covered include Law & Order, Water & Sustainability, Science & Technology, Energy Traditional and Renewable, Ethics, Welfare & Poverty, Transport & Logistics, Arts & Culture, Education, Health, Rural aspects and Public Office. It is our intention that when our graduates are in board positions, be they community, not for profit or business, that as a result of the Leaders for Geelong program they are there in a position of knowledge and with great networks.
 
While there are no examinations, for this experiential learning program participation requirements must be met. Participants are required to maintain a minimum attendance of 80% across all program events. Each month there are one or two program events starting at 1pm and finishing no later than 9.00pm. There will be a two day residential at the start and end of the program and a 1 day program mid way through each year. Participation at the residentials is compulsory.  In the second year the program alternates between information events and the research project component.

The Leaders for Geelong program is gaining measurably in status with each intake and program event. Deakin University’s Business School has recognised the program by offering 2 un-specified credit points towards relevant Masters programs. Over the past four years we have had over 100 emerging leaders gain great networks and forge fantastic effective partnerships across the region.

Governance
The leaders for Geelong program is auspiced by the committee for Geelong board and is administered via a sub-committee comprising of Kevin Roache (chair), Ed Coppe, Allison Murphy, Michael Dowling, Peter Dorling, Joanna Monahan and two alumni Representatives.

Program Aim
The program will foster the development of a dynamic network of community and business leaders by:
•     Offering potential and emerging leaders an intensive program that explores the major issues, opportunities and challenges of the Geelong region;
•     Providing participants, from a wide range of business and community backgrounds, with the opportunity to develop mutual understanding and respect in an environment that is stimulating, supporting and enjoyable;
•     Enabling participants to interact with and learn from today’s leaders;
•     Enhancing participants’ leadership skills and region wide networks;
•     Giving participants a practical experience in team based community leadership through participation in a community related project.

Program Structure
Regional, state and national speakers will be invited to discuss significant issues with program participants, who will also benefit from involvement in major regional developments information-sharing initiatives and communication networks.

There will be emphasis on the value of primarily addressing Geelong region centric issues affecting sustainability, prosperity and social cohesion with a view to:
•    Creating a better understanding of all aspects of regional activitiy,
•    Identifying and evaluating the effects of internal and external forces, and
•    Encouraging leaders to work together to positively effect change on pressing regional issues.

The Leaders for Geelong Program will introduce participants to leadership skills through exposure to business and community leaders, interaction with staff and other participants, and discussion of case studies. It is therefore an experiential learning process rather than an academic program.

Briefing kits issued for each event will require participants to do some reading and research prior to each session.

More than half of the scheduled session time is used for questioning of speakers and discussion among members; therefore it is imperative that participants are well prepared.

Research Projects
In their second year participants will work on research projects that will benefit Geelong and the region. A research project can be purely research-based or a hands-on community project that will be of tangible benefit to the region. The project will be completed in small syndicate groups, and participants choose their projects on a needs basis, in tandem with their skills, passion and personal interests.

The research project component of our program has had some major successes and is being seen as a think tank of ideas and concepts for Geelong and as these further develop they will prove to be of great benefit to our region.

Benefits
The benefits to Participants, Employers, Community and Sponsors include:
•    Supporting a sustainable community and our regional future;
•    Contributing to the economic and social capacity of the region;
•    Increasing participant’s confidence and community participation;
•    Broadening your knowledge of issues affecting the region;
•    Facilitating the development of a network of contacts, locally and regionally;
•    Challenging ideas, beliefs and values;
•    Developing leadership and communication skills through active participation;
•    Developing important links to community groups and industry organisations;
•    Facilitating participants to recognize their community leadership visions;
•    Developing and supporting a new generation of people who are keen and enabled to lead the community in a voluntary capacity into an exciting future;
•    Creating a pool of skilled and willing people to call on for community projects [This has taken the form of a formal “Leadership Alumni”]

Time Commitment

The Leaders for Geelong program is a two year program that will take up participant’s time.

While there are no examinations, as previously stated the participation requirement of 80% must be met. Each month there will be a minimum of one possibly two program events starting at 1pm and finishing no later than 9.00pm. Additional sessions may be programmed for specific events. Participants must be prepared to commit to the required time demands of the Leaders for Geelong program.

Dates and times will be issued to participants as early as possible to enable scheduling of activities.

There will be a two day residential at the start and end of the program and one full day program mid way through each year. Participation at the residential programs is compulsory. Failure to meet the 80% attendance criteria may result in consultation with the participant’s employer and / or possible cessation from the program.

Who Should Apply

Leaders for Geelong is aimed at emerging business and community leaders and while leadership is not age dependant the  average age range is between 30 to 50.(note this age bracket is a guide only). To ensure diversity of views and backgrounds, participants are drawn from all sectors, including community not for profit organisations, statutory authorities, local government and business. We encourage gender balance and small, medium and large entities within each sector to participate. The program is directed at people who are building their career and who wish to further develop their network of business and community leaders in Geelong and beyond. Participants must be prepared to examine their own beliefs, have their values challenged and give of themselves to their community into the future.  As places are limited the selection process is robust to ensure high quality participants from diverse backgrounds.

Selection Process
Participants will be chosen on merit, based on the following criteria;
•    Proven leadership record with clear potential for further growth;
•    Above average achievement with at least five years relevant experience;
•    Capacity to enter senior levels of management in industry, community organisations or commerce;
•    Potential to contribute significantly to the wider Geelong community;
•    Willingness to accept the required time and energy commitment;
•    Selection will be based on ensuring a mix of sectors, location, age and gender.

Fees for the two-year program, ($5000) are payable upon acceptance into the program and can be paid by the individual or their employer. The Committee for Geelong offers two 50% scholarships for representatives of community-based, not- for-profit organisations.

Fees should not restrict any valued candidate from applying. If funding is an issue for you or your organisation please advise at the time of application.

Applications for 2010 have now closed....

Please click here to download the application form

Program Sponsorship Opportunities

Leaders for Geelong sponsorship offers organisations the chance to demonstrate their commitment to the development of our region’s greatest asset – its people.
 
Financial sponsorship
Program sponsorship opportunities are limited, ensuring your organisation’s support gains generous recognition and acknowledgement. However we are always looking for more, forward thinking organisations who would like to come on board with us to help develop and grow the talent of Geelong for all our futures. Opportunities exist for gold and silver level sponsorships. Benefits for financial sponsors include:  

• Association with a program that has excellent status and is recognised for its value to the Geelong region.
• Participant contact details available for your marketing purposes.
• A table at cost at all Leaders for Geelong Events, notably Graduation – Annual Leadership Breakfast and Annual Program Launch.
• An opportunity for your organizations CEO to address the participants during the course of the program.
• An applicant from your organization who meets the LfG selection criteria would receive priority selection.
• Priority display of Logos on all documentation, publications and program events.
• Engagement with the Geelong region community via the participants and their organisations.
• A complimentary opportunity for a member of your executive team to attend the one day ‘We are Geelong’  Leadership program to be held March / April each year.

Further information available from:
Mrs Jean Paul
Program Director
Leaders for Geelong
Ph: 5227 8073
Fax: 5227 8076
Email  jean.paul@committeeforgeelong.com.au


“I start with the premise that the function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers”   Ralph Nader