Fostering Regional Leadership
for Community Impact

Leadership Great South Coast

Purpose

Fostering Regional Leadership for Community Impact

Values

Agility, Growth, Leadership, Diversity & Inclusion, Community

Strategic Priorities

  • Leadership

  • Alumni

  • Impact

View our Strategic Plan

Background

In 1989 the Hugh Williamson Trustees established and funded the Williamson Community Leadership Program (WCLP) based in Melbourne. Re-named in 2000 to Leadership Victoria the Program continues to evolve fostering and developing a new generation of leaders.

The WCLP was originally modelled on a Chicago based program. Leadership Greater Chicago has been operating on a proven model for 30 years, cultivating Chicago’s business, public and civic leaders through a deeper understanding of the issues facing their community and each other, building a better Chicago.

In 1996 the first regional Community Leadership Program commenced in the Gippsland. Victorian now has 9 Regional Community Leadership Programs with Leadership Great South Coast established in 2012.

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Our History

Leadership Great South Coast (LGSC) is an example of community leadership in action, dedicated to nurturing future leaders in the region.

The idea for LGSC began in 2008, led by Josie Black OAM and a group of passionate regional leaders who identified the need for leadership development through research and community consultation. Their work highlighted the importance of proactive, values-based leadership in driving regional change.

In 2009, a Steering Committee was formed to design a structured, experiential program tailored to local needs. After four years of determined lobbying, state funding was secured in 2012 (and ceased on 31 December 2023), and the first LGSC program launched with 14 participants.

Since then, LGSC has grown steadily, running annual programs for 16–20 emerging leaders and building a strong network of 195 alumni. The organisation officially incorporated in 2017 and continues to grow in strength and impact across the Great South Coast.

Leadership Team

  • KATE ROACHE

    Executive Officer
    she/her

  • CATHERINE DARKIN

    Program Manager
    she/her

  • HELGA SVENDSEN

    Immersive Facilitator
    she/her

Board Members

  • RONDA HELD

    Chair
    Community Member
    Board Director South West Healthcare

  • ANGELA WILLIAMS

    Deputy Chair
    Employment Facilitator-Workforce Australia Local Jobs

  • MELISSA MAHER

    Treasurer
    Finance Coordinator
    Moyne Shire Council

  • TRUDY MARR

    Head of Strategy and Projects
    are-able

  • RACHAEL HOULIHAN

    Deputy Editor
    The Standard – Australian Community Media

  • BARBARA MOLL

    Leadership Program Manager
    South West Healthcare
    LGSC Alumni

  • STEVE MYERS

    Director
    MPAA Studio

  • PAUL DILLON

    Co-Founder & CEO
    Regional Rising

  • JODIE HILL

    CEO
    Women’s Health & Wellbeing Barwon South West

  • MARK BARLING

    IT Coordinator
    Mpower
    LGSC Alumni