General News
12 August, 2024
Leadership program in jeopardy
LOSS of State Government funding and fighting to find financial saviours has the Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program in jeopardy. The program has issued a plea for support to continue into its 27th year in 2025. Former Loddon Shire councillor...
LOSS of State Government funding and fighting to find financial saviours has the Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program in jeopardy.
The program has issued a plea for support to continue into its 27th year in 2025.
Former Loddon Shire councillor Colleen Condliffe was in the first community leader program in 1989 and continues as a board member of LEAD Loddon Murray.
Program director Jude Hannah, of Fernihurst, said Colleen had been among hundreds of program graduates “being skilled in local leadership”. “But without major support coming in alongside councils like Loddon Shire who back the program, the future is uncertain,” she said.
“We are fighting hard to keep things going ... we can’t let this go. It’s too important for our community leaders in the future. it would be an absolute shame.
“In 26 years there have been more than 600 people go through the leadership course and some are now in senior roles.”
Jude said the program, which has relied heavily on funding from both government and private sources, is now facing an unprecedented financial crisis “despite its proven track record and widespread community support”.
“Securing sufficient funds to continue operations beyond 2024 has become increasingly challenging. The potential loss of the LMCLP would not only impact future leadership opportunities but also undermine the momentum gained in regional development initiatives over the past two decades,” she said.
LEAD Loddon Murray is calling on local businesses, and community stakeholders to provide financial support to ensure the continuation of this vital program. “Or please write to local members of parliament both state and federal. The program’s leaders are advocating for a sustainable funding model that will allow for the continuation of their impactful work in developing local leadership and fostering community growth,” Jude said.
Leadership program funding was cut by the State Government last year and Jude says on current funds available, the best that might be offered in 2025 was a “very pared down course”.