The Wimmera Grampians region covers shires of Hindmarsh, West Wimmera, Yarriambiack, Northern Grampians, and the rural cities of Horsham and Ararat.

Upcoming Events and Activities:

*** Calling for Nominations for 2007 ***
Leadership Wimmera invites candidates from six municipalities – the Shires of Hindmarsh, West Wimmera, Yarriambiack, Northern Grampians, and the rural cities of Horsham and Ararat. Nominations close on September 29. Further information can be gained from Executive Officer, Mary Bignell on 5381 6504.

Leadership Wimmera Board of Management invite you to hear their key findings and recommendations at the University of Ballarat, Horsham Campus.

2006 Gala Dinner
Leadership Wimmera invites you to an evening of celebration on November 3. Sue Nattrass, Order of Australia (AO), left the Wimmera with her family 30 years ago and has actively worked in the arts during that time. We are proud to host this dinner to celebrate the graduation of twenty seven people and to hear Sue speak on the leadership inspirations and challenges which occur when business, arts and sports merge.

Program Updates
Leadership Skills Initiative
Thirteen people completed the final session of their Leadership Skills Initiative program in June.
When asked for insights and feedback:

……leadership takes courage. There must be strength in your conviction…
…….the ability to continue open communication during conflict is important..
…with good communication comes respect….
….the (leadership) profile has really helped me to finally recognise what makes me tick!....

Community Leadership Year
Fourteen people are in the final stages of their research projects, associated with this program. Join them on October 5 to hear their views, findings and recommendations.

Business Executive Growth in 2006
Business Executive Growth provides Wimmera business people with access to affordable professional business leadership development training and the opportunity to develop strong professional networks.
Leadership Wimmera was unsuccessful with its application to the AusIndustries Small Business Entrepreneurship Program (SBEP). The Board is reconsidering ways to offer this program in 2007.


Recent Events & Activities
Leadership Week – July 27 and 28
Graduate Network
Forty people attended the Leadership Week dinner held at the Olde Horsham. David Culbert, our keynote speaker, addressed the group on keeping community events successful. David’s company Jump Media is engaged to market the Stawell Gift.

Leadership Breakfast
We appreciated the chance to recognise the invaluable support and contribution we receive from the region at our recent Leadership Week Breakfast.

The opportunity to announce the grant of $99,000 through Regional Development Victoria to 80 business and community leaders was welcomed by our Board. This money, combined with the support from Bendigo Bank and ACE Radio Broadcasters, gives us the confidence to proceed with our planning and review processes which includes advertising for our 2007 round of Programs of Community Leadership Year and Skills Initiative.

Our guests heard David Culbert and two graduates, Ms Sharon McLean and Mr Simon Coutts, speak on their leadership experiences. Since completing the Community Leadership Program in 2005 (Year 4), Sharon has been voted President of Warracknabeal A and P Show. Simon, who graduated in 2003 (Year 1) challenged the audience to think about the leadership approaches needed in the region to engage with the new and emerging workforce - gen X and Y.

Leadership Wimmera appreciates the opportunity to recognise their graduates and what they are doing to make a difference in our region.