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
Expressions of Interest are now open for the 2026 South East Local Leaders Program — a unique rural leadership journey building the skills, confidence and networks needed to create lasting impact across South East NSW.
The South East Local Leaders Program is a rural leadership development experience designed to strengthen community, industry and government leadership capacity for resilience and sustainability. Now in its 12th year, the program brings together Global Learning’s extensive expertise with a community-centred, participant-driven approach that values the wisdom in the room and the diverse voices of rural leaders.
We are seeking aspiring and established leaders from across the South East Local Land Services region of NSW who are working for, or alongside, community on projects delivering sustainable agriculture, climate-smart, environmental or biodiversity outcomes.
If you are passionate about creating positive change and want to deepen your leadership capability while progressing a project that matters to you, this program is for you.
Over nine days of in person workshops between 21 April and 23 July 2026, participants will:
The three residential workshops, held in beautiful coastal locations in Kioloa and Bamargang, create an immersive learning environment where natural landscapes become part of the leadership journey. Participants will be well nourished with healthy, locally sourced food and supported within a generous and collaborative learning community.
2026 Residential Workshop Dates
Participation in all residential workshops is required.
We are limiting the program to 20 participants to ensure a highly personal and hands-on experience. We’re looking for people who are:
We care about what you’ve done — and even more about what you want to do. This program is designed to help you turn ideas into action with the support, structure and inspiration of others.
The program is supported through partnerships, with participant co-contributions applying as per below;
If you’re ready to strengthen your leadership, build meaningful networks and accelerate a project that matters to your community, we encourage you to complete the Expression of Interest form.
Applications close COB Friday 27 March 2026.
Linda Cavanagh
email: [email protected]
phone: 0459 681 018
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.
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