Community Leadership Program
Program details
Our Community Leadership Program supports you to build the skills to get more involved and make a difference in your community.
This free program is for local residents who want to:
- lead and support community projects
- establish personal and professional networks
- learn more about local government.
Course information
The program includes a series of sessions to educate and equip people with an interest in community leadership to create a positive impact.
It covers various leadership topics, including personal leadership, leading others within the context of team dynamics and leading for results with strategic planning. The program also offers skills development in local governance and advocacy that will enable participants to advocate as leaders for meaningful change in their local community.
The program is delivered in partnership with La Trobe University, Public Value Studio and Victorian Local Governance Association.
The program will be delivered in a mix of online and in-person sessions. The course consists of 11 sessions, with seven of them being online and four face to face.
Sessions delivered by Latrobe University Business School
Sessions in the course delivered by Latrobe University Business School are part of the La Trobe Master of Business Administration course with a focus on the following subjects:
- ‘Leading Self’ explores the way we lead and encourages us to question and reflect on our personal leadership style.
- ‘Leading Others’ examines the evolution of leadership and critically examines the characteristics of successful teams.
- ‘Leading for Results’ explores our strategic alignment to goals and actions, as well as understanding the fundamentals of strategy and business models.
Sessions delivered by Victorian Local Governance Association
The sessions delivered by the Victorian Local Governance Association, in the course will cover:
- good governance and how to navigate local government
- how to action and influence change at Council
- developing a toolkit of skills and knowledge to work closely with local government; from sitting on an advisory committee to becoming a local election candidate.
Sessions delivered by The Public Value Studio
Sessions delivered by The Public Value Studio, will develop the practical skills, personal abilities and networks of coarse participants. The sessions will enable you to work with community and create positive change.
Course duration
The course runs for 10 weeks with seven online sessions and four in-person sessions. It starts on 4 June 2025 and runs until the end of August, with a 3-week break during the July school holidays.
Sessions timeline
| Date |
Time |
Location |
| Wednesday 4 June 2025 |
6.30 to 8.30pm |
In person at City of Whittlesea Civic Centre |
| Wednesday 11 June 2025 |
6.30 to 8.30pm |
In person at City of Whittlesea Civic Centre |
| Wednesday 18 June 2025 |
6.30 to 8.30pm |
Online |
| Wednesday 25 June 2025 |
6.30 to 8.30pm |
Online |
| 3 Weeks School Holiday Break |
| Wednesday 23 July 2025 |
6.30 to 8.30pm |
In person at City of Whittlesea Civic Centre |
| Wednesday 30 July 2025 |
6.30 to 8.30pm |
Online |
| Wednesday 6 August 2025 |
6.30 to 8.30pm |
Online |
| Wednesday 13 August 2025 |
6.30 to 8.30pm |
Online |
| Wednesday 20 August 2025 |
6.30 to 8.30pm |
Online |
| Wednesday 27 August 2025 |
6.30 to 8.30pm |
Online |
| Saturday 30 August 2025 |
9.30am to 1.30pm |
In person at City of Whittlesea Civic Centre |
Information for applicants
Eligibility
The Community Leadership Program aims to represent City of Whittlesea’s diversity and is inclusive of all genders, age groups (18+), abilities, cultures and backgrounds.
Support will be available for all participants to help you attend. Please talk to us about your accessibility or other needs, such as child-minding for in-person sessions, so that we can ensure you can actively participate.
You're encouraged to apply if you're a City of Whittlesea resident aged 18 years or over who:
- has an interest in developing your own and other people’s leadership in the community
- is motivated to participate and engage in community life
- has a desire to use your skills to make a difference and enhance the local community
- can commit to attending all the courses.
Please note: You can't apply if you didn't comply with governance conditions from previous elected or selected local government positions. You're also ineligible if you haven't complied with grant acquittal conditions from previous City of Whittlesea funding.
Application dates
Expression of Interest (EOI) is now open.
Applications close 12 May 2025.
Submit your EOI
The program aims to promote diversity in leadership and strongly encourages applicants from:
- People with disabilities
- First Nations people
- Young people
- Women and gender diverse people
- Individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Selection process
There are a limited number of places available. Participants will be selected through an expression of interest process, which may include informal interviews.
As well as the eligibility criteria outlined on this page, the selection panel will also consider:
- geographical representation from across the City of Whittlesea
- a range of cultural backgrounds, abilities, genders and ages
- diversity of personal and life experiences.
Full program details will be provided if you are offered and accept a place on the program.
Previous participants
Hear what previous participants have to say about their experiences of the Community Leadership Program.
Program participant: Beatrix
Program participant: Eve
Program participant: Matt
Program participant: Norma