Whittlesea council will encourage the residents to become leaders in the community with the Community Leadership Program Framework.
According to a council report, the framework was developed in response to a need for capacity building in civic leadership and participation, and general governance and leadership of community-led projects.
The framework is an initiative of the Community Plan 2021-25.
Community wellbeing director Kate McCaughey said the framework would continue to “adapt and evolve” depending on community feedback.
“In essence, the [leadership program’s] driving intent is to make it easy, welcoming, and accessible for any member of our community to get involved with, find out about, and build their leadership skills,” Ms McCaughey said.
“This might be to build leadership skills for formal civic roles, such as being on a community advisory committee, or running for council in 2024.
“Just as importantly, it’s also about supporting community leadership at the grassroots, so that anyone with a good idea about how to improve their local area and community can access skills, development opportunities, resources and networks to help them to achieve this.”
The framework outlines five key elements for the program, including; centralised digital resource; interest builder events; essentials for community leaders; civic leadership pathways; and local leadership pathways.
The leadership program will follow the framework, and will run until 2024.
Michaela Meade
