Leadership Ballarat executive officer Sofia Fiusco said three staff from Ballarat took part in the meeting. 

“A big part of it is to have the conversation about what makes a community, what do we need to do and what do we do to equip ourselves for the future,” she said. 

“So today we are looking at having presentations around trends and changes globally. 

“As an organisation, what can we do to have the government and other people listening to say ‘the investment you make in the community can have a long-term impact and a benefit that goes beyond an election cycle’?” 

Leaders Institute of South Australia chief executive Niki Vincent said she felt such days were “critically important” and helped to share ideas among different groups. 

Ms Vincent presented research to the group on her PhD, which focuses on leadership within communities. 

“I am looking at the impact that community leadership programs can have at shifting and creating awareness of the issues that are facing society,” she said.