Download Latest Leaders For Geelong Year Book Here - 12mb PDF

  
                

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

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 2008 we will be recruiting participants for our third program. The feedback from participants in the first two programs has been very positive

Rachel Cairns Senior Water Policy Officer City of Greater Geelong
"The program has opened many doors for me.  It has also provided me with a great network of people drawn from across the region and lots of insight into the opportunities and challenges facing Geelong now and into the future."

Peter Garlick Powercor Australia Ltd.
"The Leaders Program has provided me with many insights into the Geelong Region in terms of cultural diversity, the importance of community based programs, the key challenges and opportunities facing us as we move forward. Access to some of the most high profile regional, state and national leaders has been inspiring - the likes of Brian Cook, Frank Costa, Julian Gardner, Simon Overland, Tim Anderson and Greg Collier to name a few. Possibly the most rewarding outcomes of the program has been my involvement with two exceptional community organisations - The Outpost and Courthouse Youth Arts Centre."

Several employers who have participants in both the first and second programs have indicated their wish to nominate an applicant for the third program.

	Committee for Geelong Chairman Jim Cousins, AO “I am excited by this important initiative and encourage local businesses and organisations to support the development of our next generation of leaders
	Leaders for Geelong Task Group Leader 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 Coordinator Jean Paul  “Our goal is to turn out high-calibre graduates who are empowered and encouraged to maintain a lifelong commitment to community leadership.”

Benefits of the program
The Leaders for Geelong is an intensive program exploring the  major opportunities  and challenges within the Geelong region. It aims to nurture a dynamic network of people who are keen and able to provide voluntary community leadership. The many benefits of this initiative to participants, employers, sponsors and the community include:

·  Supporting a sustainable community and regional future

·  Contributing to the economic and social capacity of the region

·  Increasing participants’ confidence and community participation

·  Broadening knowledge of issues affecting the region

·  Facilitating development of a network of local and regional contacts

·  Challenging perceptions, ideas, beliefs and values

·  Developing leadership and communication skills

·  Creating links to community groups and industry organisations

·  Helping participants recognise their community leadership visions

Program outline
The two-year program develops participants’ skills through exposure to business and community leaders, interaction with other participants and discussion of case studies.

While there are no examinations, 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. Failure to meet the 80% attendance criteria may result in consultation with the participant’s employer and / or possible cessation from the program. In the second year the program alternates between information events and the research project. The research project can be purely research-based or a hands-on community project that will be of tangible benefit to the region.

Topics covered
Participants will be introduced to a broad range of issues relevant to sustainability, prosperity and social cohesion. Themes covered include Law & Order, Water & Sustainability, Science & Technology, Energy Traditional and Renewable, Ethics, Welfare & Poverty, Transport & Logistics, Arts & Culture, Education, Health, Rural Issues, Economic Development, Cultural Diversity and Public Office. Residential retreats and monthly evening sessions will feature guest speakers who are current business & community leaders and experts in their fields with significant opportunity for question and answer sessions. The community-based project will be completed in small syndicate groups. Participants choose their projects on a needs basis in tandem with their skills, passion  and personal interests.

Who should apply?
Leaders for Geelong is aimed at emerging business & community leaders and while leadership is not age dependant the  average age range is between 25 to 50.(note this age bracket is a guide only). Participants are drawn from all sectors, including community not for profit organisations, statutory authorities, local government and business. We encourage  small, medium and large entities within each sector to participate. The program is directed at people who are building their career’s 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.
As places are limited the selection process is robust to ensure high quality participants from diverse backgrounds.

Selection criteria
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

·  Potential to contribute significantly to the wider Geelong community

·  Willingness to accept the required time and energy commitment

An independent panel of community and business leaders will short-list applications with successful candidates moving forward through an interview process.

Fees
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 is offering 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

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. Opportunities exist for gold and silver level sponsorships. Benefits for financial sponsors include:

·  Invitation to attend formal dinners at the program’s residential retreats and graduation ceremony.

·  Logos featuring prominently on all documentation and in yearbooks.

·  Acknowledgement at all media events.

Opportunities to host and speak at a program session

In-kind sponsorship
There are other ways for your organisation to support this exciting regional initiative.

·  Nominate a participant.

·  Provide a guest speaker.

·  Provide a venue for a program session.

·  Contribute to program costs such as publications, transport, etc.

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

“... 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