The Victorian Coalition Government is supporting emerging leaders from regional Victoria with $18,000 in funding announced today by Local Government Minister Jeanette Powell.

Mrs Powell said the funding would enable six emerging leaders from the state’s rural councils to participate in the LG Pro 2012 Emerging Leaders Program.

“The LG Pro 2012 Emerging Leaders Program will help rural councils access a comprehensive leadership training program to enhance the skills of their emerging leaders,” Mrs Powell said.

“The program will develop people into future leaders for local government in Victoria and connect them with emerging leaders from different professions to build stronger links and understanding between the professions.

“It will also expose participants to issues and challenges affecting the entire local government industry and use the resources of the local government industry to provide practical experiences of leadership within local government authorities,” Mrs Powell said.

Deputy Premier Peter Ryan said the Emerging Leaders Program had a track record in supporting and developing leaders in regional councils within Victoria.

“More than 200 program alumni have remained in local government and continue to provide leadership to their organisation and the community,” Mr Ryan said.

“The mix of participatory sessions, self-awareness tools, a mentoring component as well as a project deliverable on a pre-determined topic gives participants an opportunity to develop their analytical and leadership skills.

Coalition Government funding for the LG Pro 2012 Emerging Leaders Program would be provided through the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund’s Regional Community Leadership Program.