The City of Casey’s Community Leadership Program (CLP) is back for its third year – providing free training for new, emerging and existing community leaders in Casey who want to build their leadership skills and learn about community engagement and local government.
First launched in 2021, the annual program aims to support Casey residents aged 18 and over, who have a desire to make a difference and engage in community life.
With many previous program graduates going on to develop highly successful and beneficial community programs, City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff PSM is looking forward to meeting and supporting this year’s participants.
“Council is committed to empowering Casey’s leaders now and into the future. This program greatly benefits individual participants and their community groups, as well as our wider community through strengthening networks and local democracy,” Ms Duff said.
“Having delivered the program for the last two years, council has seen a diverse range of passionate and dedicated individuals complete the program and go on to deliver many successful programs for the community.”
This year’s program will run from May until October 2023 with face-to-face workshops held on Saturdays and Tuesday evenings.
The workshops will cover:
* Leadership styles, personal and community leadership.
* Communication and presentation skills.
* Building community capacity, working with volunteers and local resources, and networking.
* Understanding how local government works and how to contribute to the democratic process.
* Good governance, decision-making, project planning and goal setting.
At the conclusion of the program, graduates will have the chance to participate in ongoing networking opportunities where they can gain practical experience in leading community and council-supported projects.
Having completed the program last year, graduates Lisa Hester, Ali Sherazee and Marita Wilson shared their experience.
“The Community Leadership Program quite literally changed the trajectory of my career,” Lisa said.
“Since completing the program I have moved onto bigger and better things and now run a community project within the South Metro region which has been a long-time dream of mine.”
Mr Sherazee said the program gives an aerial view of the dynamics of the society they would be leading, whilst gaining valuable insight at grassroots level.
Ms Wilson said the program covered more content than her Diploma of Community Development.
“The program content has been well thought out and relevant to provide a holistic understanding of Casey Council’s role and plans for the community.
“The most exciting part is the chance to meet and learn with like-minded, culturally diverse people who are determined to make a difference in the community.”
Expressions of interest open from Monday 13 March until 5pm on Thursday 13 April. The selection process will include an informal interview and a maximum of 30 participants will be selected to participate in the program.
The program aims to represent Casey’s diversity and is inclusive of all genders, age groups, abilities, Aboriginality, cultures, linguistic backgrounds, sexual orientation, education and employment status. The recruitment of participants will aim to reflect diversity in Casey.
For more information and to apply, please visit the Casey Conversations website. For application support, please email caseyclp@casey.vic.gov.au or call 9705 5722.
