Re-shaping LBWR: new name, tighter focus

Leadership Ballarat and Western Region is undergoing a transitional phase for a stronger Ballarat focus and alignment with key advocacy body Committee for Ballarat.

This comes a fortnight after LBWR's 2020 forum participants graduated in a small ceremony at Mars Stadium.

As part of statewide shifts, LBWR's far western intake will be absorbed into Wimmera Development Association's Horsham-based program. In the process, the LBWR leaders' forum will change name to Future Shapers.

Committee for Ballarat chief executive officer Michael Poulton confirmed his Committee was dedicated to delivering grassroots leadership programs for at least the next two years. Mr Poulton said Committee was continuing to work with the state government in looking at funding models for a further ongoing basis.

LBWR was established in 2006, with The Courier among founding sponsors, to develop emerging leaders in a wide cross-section of the community with experiential program days. The program now has more than 400 alumni.

In a tweak, LBWR will become integrated into Committee for Ballarat with an aim to establish a suite of leadership programs.

Leadership program lead Ellen Jackson said the fresh name also opened new opportunities.

"We think it's a more meaningful name for people who are new to Ballarat and not familiar with LBWR...This also gives us more scope for new programs with new names," Ms Jackson said.

"It's very much the same program in the sense it has the same emphasis and focus on community engagement. We're looking at more partnerships with community organisations, community projects and more opportunities for hands-on learning."

IN OTHER NEWS

LBWR's leaders forum was delivered in a mix of online and face-to-face program days this year. The pivot online allowed greater chance to link up with sister programs, for example, in sharing a state parliament forum.

Expressions of interest are open for Future Shapers.

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