Future Gippsland leaders have been challenged to be ‘bold, passionate, determined and to never give up’ in an address by The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester.
Speaking at the launch of the Gippsland Community Leaders Program (GCLP) in Sale last night, Mr Chester said he was excited about the Parliamentary year ahead, despite being removed from the Ministry prior to Christmas.
“Gippslanders are renowned for their resilience and while I was disappointed to lose the position in Cabinet, I still have the best job in Parliament as Member for Gippsland,” Mr Chester said.
“We are all fortunate to live in the best region of the greatest nation in the world and I would like to ask you all one question: Is this as good as it gets for Gippsland?
“My answer is no. We can all work together to make Gippsland an even better place to live, to work, to visit and to raise a family.”
Mr Chester encouraged the community leadership program participants to make the most of the opportunity and to learn from each other throughout the year.
“We all need to be relentlessly positive and optimistic about the future of our region,” Mr Chester said.
“We have some challenges and problems, but we need to work together across all levels of government and the wider community to come up with solutions.
“Our region has a rich and proud history. We also have a great future and we get to write the next chapter of the Gippsland story together.”
Mr Chester expects to host a visit from the 30 GCLP participants when they visit Parliament House later this year.
