Tuesday 18 September 2018
Regional community leaders will get more support and a funding boost if a Liberal Nationals Government is elected at November’s State Election.
Announcing the commitment at the annual gathering of Victoria’s Regional Community Leadership Programs today Shadow Minister for Regional Victoria and Decentralisation Peter Walsh said the funding boost will help more emerging leaders develop their skills and drive positive change in regional communities.
Under a Liberal Nationals Government the funding for Victoria’s Regional Community Leadership Programs will increase by $1.5 million to $9.5 million over four years.
The 10 community-based RCLPs across Victoria make an invaluable contribution to regional communities by building leadership skills and supporting regional networks of emerging local leaders.
The programs also help local leaders engage with representatives from local State and Federal governments including visits to State and Federal Parliaments to speak with local MPs and political leaders.
There are more than 3500 alumni from across Regional Victoria with participants going on to take up leadership positions including in local government and with community sporting clubs.
Funding for the VRCLP expires in 2019 but the Andrews Government has not yet committed to further funding leaving the future of these vital community programs in doubt under Labor.
Comment attributable to Shadow Minister for Regional Victoria and Decentralisation Peter Walsh
We want to make sure local people have the skills they need to drive positive change in their community because when our regions are strong all Victorians benefit.
If we are elected we will ensure these valuable community programs have the funding they need to help Regional Victoria develop their next group of leaders be it in business community development government or not for profit organisations.
