We are a regional leadership program designed specifically for the Wimmera, Grampians and Mallee regions. Annually, Leadership Wimmera seeks nominations from candidates from seven Local Government Areas (Horsham Rural City Council, Ararat Rural City Council and the Shires of Northern Grampians, Yarriambiack, West Wimmera, Buloke and Hindmarsh) to participate in our programs and people who are up to a challenge and want to hone their leadership skills.

Our past participants come from diverse backgrounds including, self employed owner-operators, senior executives, agricultural sector, finance and banking sector and the service industries. They have a desire to learn about what makes a leader and how to adapt to different situations. Participants take part in issues-based seminars designed to provide mutual learning and a unique opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the issues impacting on the region.

There is a strong focus on training in the areas of personal development and strategic planning. Program content also includes communication and conflict resolution, leading and managing change, leading others, conducting reviews and public speaking.

In 2008 and 2009, candidates from Ararat Rural City and Northern Grampians shire participated in the Leadership Skills Initiative, the Community Leadership Year and the Business Leaders programs. This strengthens the leadership potential across a broad region.

• Facilitated by a professional service provider, the programs we offer are:
• Leadership Skills Initiative – provides the opportunity for aspiring leaders to develop their leadership skills in the workplace
• Community Leadership Year – aims to build and enhance leadership skills, knowledge and networks of our community leaders to help them become more effective in their communities
• Business Leaders Program – delivers clear, tangible economic and employment outcomes by developing the leadership capacity and skills at senior management level to foster regional business success and innovation.
  

We also host biannual leadership forums and an annual graduation dinner where we celebrate the achievements of our graduates and listen to their personal leadership journies. We feature high profile speakers at these events.

Background
Leadership Wimmera was launched in 2001 and is auspiced by Wimmera Development Association. A board of management of 15 regional leaders was appointed to oversee the program. The first rounds of community leadership programs were offered in 2002. A Strategic Review of the Leadership Wimmera Programs was undertaken in May 2005.

Since 2002 over 250 people have graduated from our three personal development programs - Leadership Skills Initiative, Community Leadership Program and Business Leaders Program.

Why is Leadership Wimmera essential for the future of the region

• Leadership Wimmera was created out of need – it was identified by regional business and community people that leadership development was lacking in our region
• Since its inception, Leadership Wimmera has already made a number of positive impacts including the promotion of participants in job roles and appointments to executive positions in community groups.
• We want to continue to provide Wimmera, Grampians and Mallee people with the opportunity to become skilled and effective business and community leaders

What past participants have to say…
“Participating in the Leadership Wimmera program has had such a positive flow on effect on my personal and professional life. The program has given me the freedom to identify opportunities, to actively participate in projects and forums and develop my networking skills. It has given me the confidence to put my hand up for roles that previously I wouldn’t have. I have grown as a person”

“This program plants the seed that over time will filter throughout our region and will make for a positive, creative and sustainable community.”

Leadership Wimmera Board Members

Board Members (as at January 2010):

Rohan Brown
Donald Carter
Simon Coutts
Jo Devereaux
Susan Findlay Tickner
Shirley Fraser
Robyn Lardner
Dianne Marchment
Michael McGough
Andrew Rose
Cathy Tischler