South East Local Leaders is a rural leadership development program building community, industry and government leadership capacity for resilience and sustainability. The program accesses some of the best leadership thinking and practice, sharing practical leadership tools and helping participants develop leadership skills. The program design draws on neuroscience and behavioral psychology research showing that self-awareness underpins successful leadership.
The format includes a three-day ‘Deep Dive’ residential workshop focuses on self-awareness, reflection and social intelligence skills that build trust and rapport between participants. Personal and team action learning projects put new skills into practice. Two follow-up residential workshops are co-designed with participants. Online modules, coaching and mentoring activities maintain connections and progress in-between workshop sessions. There have been one hundred and twenty graduates of South East Local Leaders to date, who are invited to join an alumni to maintain connections and networking beyond the program.
South East Local Leaders brings together like-minded people who are passionate about leading change in their communities, this is a quote from one of the graduates.
“My concept of what I think a leader is has changed completely as a result of the course. My previous view was that leaders were out in front, making decisions and consulting along the way. My view after doing the course is that it is possible, and maybe even more effective, to lead from within a group. The tools and techniques we were exposed to and practiced have given me a greater ability to support my regional partnership as well as influencing my workplace to be more systemic, people led and consultative.” 2015 participant
It is with great excitement that we call for Expressions of Interest to the 2025 South East Local Leaders Program.
The South East Local Leaders Program is a rural leadership development program building community, industry and government leadership capacity for resilience and sustainability. We are looking for people working for, or with community on projects delivering sustainable agriculture, climate-smart, environment, or biodiversity outcomes. The target area for the program is South East Local Land Services region in NSW.
This program, now in its 11th year, brings together Global Learning’s extensive experience in crafting and delivering leadership programs with a community and participant centred approach to learning. 11 years of adjusting the program with new tools and experiences has helped meet the needs of the diverse participants who have completed the program. The blend of learning methodologies aims to be inclusive and generative, acknowledging the wisdom in the room and the value of all participants’ voices.
You will be hosted in beautiful locations for the three residential workshops, where the natural landscapes will become a key part of your learning journey. The first and third workshop will be held at the ANU Coastal Campus at Kioloa, close to the beach and with access to bush walks. The second workshop venue is to be confirmed.
You will be well looked after and nourished with healthy, locally sourced food. You will be invited into a community of learners, building lifelong connections to draw on after the program, joining an extensive alumni of previous participants who share your hopes for the future.
What is on offer? Nine days of workshops and online learning between 17 February and 22nd May 2025.
Residential workshops:
Attending these three workshops is required to complete the program.
Expression of Interest Applications due COB Friday 31st January 2025.
Linda Cavanagh, South East Landcare – Regional Coordinator
Marien Stark, South East Local Land Services – Stakeholder & Investment Coordinator
This program is proudly funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by South East Local Land Services, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.
