Local leaders from the 2016 Leadership Great South Coast (LGSC) program met with likeminded people from across Victoria to think about how they can, as leaders, influence the future of regional Victoria. The LGSC group joined with leadership program representatives from across Victoria for a day in Melbourne to consider how they can strategically influence issues beyond their own localities.

The day began with a special address by Leigh Kennedy, Regional Director – Gippsland, who provided an overview of the challenges and opportunities faced in regional Victoria. Leigh explained the focus for regional Victoria by the State Government and invited the leaders to get involved in the Regional Partnerships, Regional Assembly – a chance for them to directly influence government decisions.

Deloitte representatives, Frank Kelloway and Dr Daniel Terrill, introduced the participants with new research undertaken by the company comparing metro, regional and rural communities in Victoria. The thought-provoking research analyzed the issues and opportunities for regional and rural communities, and outlined the importance of leadership for regional prosperity.

The participants were inspired by Jason Clarke, Director Minds at Work, in his energetic presentation on transforming an idea into reality, and the various roles within an organisation that are important to make that happen.

The afternoon session raised the noise levels in the room, as participants were taught practical advocacy conversations with Helga Svendsen. The LGSC group were visiting the Parliament of Victoria the following day and this session allowed the leaders to put their lobbying and advocacy skills into practice.

The day was not only filled with high-quality learning opportunities for the leaders, but also presented fantastic networking opportunities to meet other leaders from across regional Victoria.