Offers for a position in the flagship Community Leadership Program are based on the applicant’s:

• Ability to engage as an active learner.

• Proven leadership record OR aspirations with potential for further growth in your chosen sector – community organisations, academia, industry, business, or government.

• Commitment to community activity and volunteerism in the Great South Coast community.

• Capacity to commit time and energy to the program.

• Potential to volunteer and give back to your local community in the future.

LGSC is a Not for Profit organisation that operates on the generosity of our Principal and Program Partners.

Participant fee: $6,200 +GST payable upon acceptance into the Program. Scholarship recipients pay a fee of $620 +GST.

In return, participants undertake a unique learning journey valued over $14,000 per person.

Note – Fees may be paid by the individual or their employer prior to program commencement.

Scholarships for 2025 (NB: further scholarships may become available – check in on this page regularly)

• Gardiner Foundation Scholarship x 2 – directly connected to the dairy industry

• Wannon Water Inclusion & Diversity Scholarship x 1

• CFA Scholarship x1 – directly involved with the CFA

• Community Bank Port Fairy & District Scholarship x 1 – community member from Port Fairy/close proximity to Port Fairy

LGSC believes the program fee should not restrict candidates from applying. If the program fee is an issue for you, please advise at the time of Expression of Interest by indicating your intention to apply for a scholarship.

* Each scholarship application is assessed on a case-by-case basis against scholarship criteria.

The Executive Officer, Kate Roache, is available to discuss your application. Please do not hesitate to call 0408 627 066 for further information.

• Step-In Immersive (Friday & Saturday) February 

• 12 program days per year in community (including field trips)

• Step-Up Immersive July (Friday & Saturday)

• Council meeting attendance (outside scheduled program days) – dates TBC

• Field Trip x 2 days to Parliament of Victoria/Melbourne – dates TBC

• Step-Out Immersive (Thursday & Friday) November/December

• Graduation

• Team community project

Program days are themed to cover relevant topics and issues for the Great South Coast. Topics are aligned to the Great South Coast Strategic Plans. Local and state leaders and content experts address the participants on the topics. See our Speakers and Latest News tabs for more information.

The program embeds a range of leadership skills, providing opportunities to reflect, plan, collaborate and practice various community leadership tools.