Against a backdrop of sweeping city views from level 26 at the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), Bruce Anderson encouraged LGSC 2018 participants to seek opportunities to contribute to leadership within the community, urging participants be selective, and pursue areas they’re passionate about.

A guided tour through Melbourne’s laneways gave participants an appreciation (and a taste!) of the rich and dynamic street-art and food cultures, as well as stories behind some of the city’s unique  and beautiful architecture.  The walking arts tour included street art highlights in and around Flinders Lane, Hosier Ln, ACDC Ln, and concluded at Parliament House where the group explored the upper and lower houses of Parliament, before meeting with former Victorian Premier, Dr. Denis Napthine.  The former Premier offered some practical tips on lobbying politicians, and an overview of the inner workings of State Government.

Tanya Waterson, Chief of Staff for James Purcell MLC gave a generous and candid insight into the day-to-day functions of state government.  There was were further discussions about community leadership and lobbying local members.  Also discussions around the degree of influence that a member has when representing their region – in particular – the current unique position that James Purcell holes within the upper house.  Tanya also acknowledged the complexity of the Victorian Parliamentary system and how it can be difficult for people to know which area of government or which representative to approach when addressing local issues.  At day’s end, there was an increased appreciation around the role of community leaders in representing their community’s interests, and how best they might utilise their state government representatives to further their community’s agendas.