Regional Leadership grant announced for Committee for Ballarat

Wednesday, 5 October 2011

During a keynote address at the Committee for Ballarat spring dinner tonight, Premier Ted Baillieu announced the Committee for Ballarat has been granted $800,000 over four years to continue the Leadership Ballarat and Western Region program.

The grant has been provided under the Regional Community Leadership Program (RCLP), as part of the Victorian Coalition Government's Regional Growth Fund, which outlines a commitment to driving growth and prosperity in regional Victoria.

"The Government has a strong commitment to regional Victoria, and this is an important first step in providing funding and support to develop leadership opportunities in regional communities," Mr Baillieu said.

Ballarat is one of the fastest growing regional centres in Australia and, along with other key regional communities, will play a key role in the Victorian Government's vision to achieve balanced growth across the state.

As part of the Regional Growth Fund the government is providing $6 million over four years for the statewide RCLP.

"We recognise and support the resilience of Victorian communities and we believe this funding will increase the capacity of emerging leaders to steer innovative and sustainable development in the regions," Mr Baillieu said.

"I am very pleased to announce the Committee for Ballarat as the first recipient of this funding. With $800,000 over the next four years, the Leadership Ballarat and Western Region program is expected to assist 120 emerging leaders."

The grants will be used to fund a diverse schedule of leadership activities that will deliver opportunities to build leadership capacity in both the business and community sectors.

The Committee for Ballarat works closely with businesses, community agencies and the three levels of government to facilitate economic and social development within Ballarat and its region.