Russell Broadbent (McMillan, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Community leadership is extremely important. In the parliament this week we've had three regional leadership programs visiting. The work these programs do in developing our future leaders across regions is vital work for the long-term national benefit. One of the leadership programs was the Gippsland Community Leadership Program, which covers my communities in McMillan. The other day I had the pleasure of meeting with the 30 bright and passionate participants. This program was established in 1996—I think I spoke to the first gathering of this regional program in Australia.

Over 550 talented and inspiring community leaders have grown and flourished in the community as part of the program. The program participants are offered an increased understanding of our regions in the nation, greater connections and developed relationships, and the knowledge and skills to become more effective community leaders. Graduates have gone on to become 13 local councillors, six mayors, many board and committee members across the region—and Australia as well—and any number of executive managers within the region and across the nation.

Regional leadership is about relationships and bringing people together across our large, diverse nation. It strengthens our communities and ensures greater connectedness. All the best to those who have participated this week.

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