Gippsland Critical Minerals (GCM) is investing in local leadership with the launch of a new Community Scholarship, supporting emerging talent across East Gippsland.
The scholarship, delivered through the Committee for Gippsland’s Gippsland Community Leadership Program (GCLP), covers the full fees for one participant in the 10-month 2026 program. It aims to remove financial barriers and provide local residents near the Fingerboards Project with the opportunity to develop leadership skills and make a meaningful impact in their communities.
GCM Community and Engagement Lead, and GCLP alumnus, Mick Harrington said the scholarship responded to feedback from the region.
“People want ways to build local capability and create real opportunities, not
just for themselves but for their communities,” Mr Harrington said.
“This scholarship supports individuals who care deeply about their region and want to play an active role in shaping its future.”
The scholarship is open to people living in, or with strong connections to, communities near the Fingerboards Project, including Stratford, Munro, Walpa, Glenaladale, Fernbank, Lindenow, Lindenow South, Hillside, Bairnsdale, and surrounding areas.
Committee for Gippsland CEO Tony Cantwell said
the partnership with GCM would help the program reflect the diversity of the Gippsland region.
“We are pleased to partner with Gippsland Critical Minerals to deliver this new scholarship, enabling local East Gippslanders to develop their leadership capacity and strengthen our communities,” Mr Cantwell said.
Applications are welcomed from people at all stages of education and career. Priority will be given to those pursuing pathways aligned with regional industries and needs, including primary industries, environmental and land management, Indigenous land and sea management, as well as emerging sectors such as renewable energy, technology, advanced manufacturing, and research.
The Gippsland Community Leadership Program is one of Australia’s longest-running regional leadership programs. Its ten-month curriculum focuses on building leadership capability, confidence, and strong local networks through structured, experiential learning across the Gippsland region.
Applications for the Gippsland Critical Minerals Community Scholarship are now open.
