The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester met with a group of emerging leaders from the local community at Parliament House this week.
The community leaders were selected to take part in the Gippsland Community Leadership Program, which develops the skill-set of existing and emerging leaders and exposes them to the diversity of Gippsland.
The program has been operating for 21 years though this is the first year participants visited Canberra and spent a day at Parliament House.
“It’s a great priviledge to meet people who have a connection to Gippsland and are prepared to volunteer their skills and expertise to make our community an even better place to live,” Mr Chester.
“This group of leaders are spending time together, learning from each other, and working to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Gippsland.”
Mr Chester said the Gippsland Community Leadership Program provided an opportunity for community leaders to influence the future directions of the Gippsland region.
The program has been running since 1996, auspiced by the Committee for Gippsland (C4G).
Program Director Jenny Hammett said it was important to expose the group to the national capital and build their awareness of the importance of understanding the three tiers of government and how to work across them.
Candidates are selected from across Gippsland who have a proven leadership record, capacity to become leaders in industry, community organisations, commerce or education; and the potential to contribute significantly to the wider Gippsland community.
