It was discovered that as a leader anywhere, it is vital that you understand the important economic drivers of the community you exist in.

These drivers or levers have an intricate connection between financial and economic sustainability within the region. Change one lever and expect changes to happen to another.

The Economy Drives Our Region program day was opened by Dr Greg Walsh and his opening line, “Leaders are great detectors of rubbish and need to be shrouded in evidence and science”, set the tone for the day. Greg talked about the importance of a positive image from the region, to encourage relocation of the population to the region.

Sarah Brebner from RDV was full of fascinating facts, most importantly was the modelling showing the economic levers in play in our region; and that we need to capitalise on our regions assets be them physical, natural, human or built.

From here we moved into a specific focus on dairy. Charlie McElhone from Dairy Australia, enlightened us about the vast influence dairy has in the Great South Coast. A thought-provoking discussion was the highlight around the dairy price fiasco of 2016. LGSC participants Lauren and Peter were a great value to enrich the discussion, given their history in the industry.

The day concluded at Solaris Farms with farm owner, manager and LGSC Alumni; Brendan Rea. Brendan took us on a fascinating tour of his family dairy farm. For many it was their first time on a dairy of this magnitude.

Thank you to our presenters; Dr Greg Walsh, Director VLE Pty Ltd, Chairman of Champions of the Bush, Director of Great Ocean Road Beef and co-owner of two dairy farms. Sarah Brebner, Manager of Regional Economic Policy, Regional Development Victoria. Charlie McElhone, Group Manager Trade and Industry Strategy, Dairy Australia. Brendan Rea, Farm Manager, Leadership Great South Coast Alumni 2015