The State Government is expanding the Forestry Transition Program through a new Community Leadership Program which will help create emerging leaders in communities of northern Victoria and Gippsland.
Committee for Gippsland and the Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship are two established leadership providers that will deliver the tailored leadership programs, aimed at fostering a new generation of community leaders in these former native timber towns.
The programs will develop local leaders that are equipped for navigating change, leading their communities, and shaping the future for their regions.
In Gippsland the ‘Building Resilient Forestry Communities Program’ will support up to 20 program participants from the six priority forestry communities with Local Development Strategies in the region, including Heyfield, Orbost, Nowa Nowa, Swifts Creek, Yarram and Noojee.
“The forestry industry has a long and proud history in our Gippsland communities. Through the Building Resilient Forestry Communities Program, we are committed to supporting the development of local leadership to help guide these communities into the future,” Committee for Gippsland chief executive officer Tony Cantwell said.
“Drawing on our experience delivering the Gippsland Community Leadership Program, the Committee for Gippsland looks forward to strengthening these communities, building local networks of regional leaders, and ensuring that Gippsland has the leadership capacity to continue to thrive.”
Currently, 11 priority native timber communities are being provided medium- to long-term support to identify new economic opportunities and create jobs through Local Development Strategy projects, the Community Development Fund and the Community Leadership Program.
“Gippsland has incredible leaders who have been working on the big changes happening in the region including natural disasters, drought, and industry transition,” Member for Eastern Victoria Tom Mcintosh said.
“This program will support those who have already given so much for their communities and help to grow the next generation who will continue to shape the future of the region.”
More than $10 million in funding has already been awarded through the Local Development Strategy and Community Development Fund to support native timber communities to transition successfully.
