Day two of our Melbourne trip provided an opportunity to meet with the 10 other Victorian Regional Community Leadership Program participants. Networking was a key focus and participants relished the opportunity to share experiences and learnings with others who are on the same journey.

The VRCLP Combined Program Day allowed for high level conversations about our demographics, exploring how we can attract migration to regional areas and strategies to retain our young people. We found that across the State we are all experiencing the same issues with regard to our ageing populations, our lack of infrastructure and connection to metropolitan areas. We were encouraged to consider how we as future leaders can change that. How do we breach the divide between region and city? Reduce barriers to relocation? Become better advocates for regional Victoria? And how do we change the narrative?

A highlight of the day was no doubt the announcement by Nationals Leader Peter Walsh of $9.5 million in funding for the Victorian Regional Community Leadership Programs over the next four years, should the Liberal Government be elected in November. Minister Walsh praised the programs as valuable, stating they are essential to the development of future leaders across business, community, government and not-for-profit.

The day highlighted for us, that with close to 3500 alumni from these programs, the future is looking bright for our regions. With continued funding, this will only improve. Developing the skills and knowledge of passionate leaders in regional areas, and empowering them to be strong local advocates, will drive positive change for Victoria.