A regional leadership program that aims to develop the Limestone Coast’s future leaders is back for another year, but its organisers are on the lookout for funding to ensure it remains sustainable. The Limestone Coast Leadership Program is a 10-month program delivered by The Leaders Institute of South Australia, a non-profit that has been providing leadership programs in SA for 20 years.

Beginning in 2019, the regional leadership program was introduced by the Limestone Coast Economic Development Group, a branch of the Limestone Coast Local Government Association (LCLGA), to help develop and facilitate “the emergence of local leaders”.

According to a presentation shown at Grant District Council’s recent elected members meeting, research had identified a demand for a regional leadership program in the Limestone Coast. “Many regional and remote communities struggle to develop and retain their leadership capacity, both in quantity of leaders and extent of their skills,” the LCLGA wrote in its presentation.

“The intention is to put in place a framework that enables delivery of a long-term sustainable leadership program, sponsored by business, community, government and philanthropic organisations in the Limestone Coast with regional economic and social benefits beyond the project deliverables.”

According to the program’s administrator, Ali Auld, it is aimed at developing leaders who will move into business, local government, and project development and governance, among other areas. Past participants have ranged from 23-years-old to 62-years-old. “In terms of attractions, nowhere has to offer what the Limestone Coast has to offer, and we think that of the people as well,” Ms Auld told council.

However, the longevity of the program, which in the past has cost $120,000 for 16 participants to undertake the 10-month course, was called into question. “The longevity of this program will come from whether people see the value in it,” Ms Auld said. To support the “sustainability of the program” and “genuine commitment to building our region’s leadership capacity”, the LCLGA is seeking three-year partnership commitments.

The LCLGA has also invited invite businesses, organisations, and community members to partner with the Limestone Coast Leadership Program to provide scholarships. The cost to partner with the Limestone Coast Leadership Program for the 2021 program is $7000, plus GST, per person.