Leaders for Geelong
Program Overview
In 2027, the Leaders for Geelong Program marks more than 20 years of developing leaders in the Geelong region.
Over that time, the Program has brought together people from different organisations, industries and parts of the community to learn, challenge each other and take action on things that matter to their organisations, communities and the region.
Across the year, you'll explore the Geelong region's past, present and future possibilities, deepen your understanding of your own leadership and build relationships with people from across the region. You'll also put your leadership and learning into practice through a community project.
The Committee for Geelong is one of ten partner organisations in the Victorian Leadership Network, developing leaders who go onto do amazing things in their organisations and communities across Victoria.
The impact of the Leaders for Geelong experience extends well beyond the Program itself. Since 2008, our 742 alumni have contributed an estimated $17.9 million in social value and have positively affected more than 46,000 people across the region.
Program Objectives
Through the program, you will:
Understand the place you're part of — explore what is shaping the Geelong region, listen to different perspectives and consider what the region needs now and into the future.
Build relationships across difference — connect with people from across business, government, community and the wider region, and develop relationships that will extend well beyond the program.
Grow your capacity to lead — develop greater awareness of yourself, how you relate to others and the impact you have in the systems you're part of.
Work on something that matters — partner with a local organisation and a small team to explore a real regional challenge and develop a practical response.
Find where you can contribute — develop the confidence to recognise where your perspective, skills or influence can be useful, and take action where it matters.
You'll also…
Receive academic recognition, with the opportunity to gain credit towards a Master of Business Administration or Graduate Certificate of Management from Deakin University.
Join a network of more than 742 alumni from the Committee for Geelong's leadership programs.
Knowing that you want to contribute is one thing. The Leaders for Geelong program is designed to help you act on it, in your own organisation and community.
Who Should Apply?
The Leaders for Geelong Program is for people who believe leadership is about action, not just position. Participants in this Program are people who care about the Geelong region and are ready to step up, collaborate and contribute to shaping a better future for this region.
You do need to:
Already be contributing to your workplace or community in some way — whether that's highly visible or behind the scenes
Be curious about what a year of paying attention to your own leadership, your relationships and the wider system could open up.
For many alumni, that experience has led to some significant shifts:
94% report a stronger ability to see the bigger picture
90% report a stronger ability to lead with self-awareness and confidence
88% report a stronger ability to take initiative and drive positive change
84% report a stronger ability to sustain themselves and make progress through complex and or difficult leadership challenges
These outcomes aren't guaranteed, and the program asks for a real commitment of time and energy. But for many participants, the way they see themselves, their leadership and their role in their organisations and community is different by the end of the year.
It gave me a better understanding of challenges in society that I might otherwise have ignored or not given a second thought - it's easy to live in a bubble, focused only on yourself and your family, without realising the opportunities and challenges that exist all around you. It has made me want to give back where I can, when the opportunity arises, and it's given me a much more rounded perspective on life and on the region I live in.
You need to do this — it's a lot of fun and it teaches you more about the region, yourself and the impact you can have in the community. It's more than another leadership course — it's a life-changing experience!
It offers a unique opportunity to broaden your perspective, connect with inspiring leaders from across different sectors, and gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our community. The relationships you build and the insights you gain extend well beyond the program, equipping you to become a more effective and connected leader.”
Community Projects - Leadership in Action
Since 2008, Community Projects have been a core component of the Leaders for Geelong Program. Participants form teams of between four and six people and partner with a local community focused organisation to co-create solutions to pressing challenges and enable meaningful change.
2025
Pricing
$10,900 incl GST for Corporate and Government participants
$7,760 incl GST for small not-for-profits and self-funded participants
Each year, we are able to offer one or two scholarships for eligible participants. Eligibility is determined by the scholarship provider and may include full or partial funding.
Program fees are all-inclusive other than flights to and from Canberra and airport transfers, which are the responsibility of the participant or sponsoring organisation.
Program fees must be paid when you accept your place in the program. An invoice will be issued directly to the participant or their sponsoring organisation at that time.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2027 program open in mid-September 2026, and close on Friday 13th November.
If you have questions or would like more information, contact the Leadership Portfolio Coordinator, Mandy Van Den Nouwland at lfg-admin@committeeforgeelong.com.au
Partners
