Leaders for Geelong
Program Overview
In 2026, the Leaders for Geelong Program marks 20 years of shaping leaders who lead within their organisations, and within the communities they’re part of. This milestone is both a celebration of impact and an invitation to reimagine leadership in a rapidly changing world.
The Program is designed for leaders ready to stretch beyond the familiar and engage in an experiential journey that blends personal growth with practical action—grounded in the Geelong region and connected to its people, places, and possibilities.
Throughout the year, participants will explore what it means to lead with and for this region, build strong relationships, and respond to what matters most. The experience supports leaders to grow from the inside out, while applying their learning through a hands-on community project that delivers real impact. It’s leadership in action.
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Program Objectives
In the Leaders for Geelong Program, participants will:
Gain insights into the political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental forces shaping the Geelong region and beyond - developing leadership that is grounded in place.
Develop meaningful relationships with a diverse community of peers and local leaders - recognising that leadership happens through connection.
Develop the confidence and skills to step into leadership where it’s needed - embracing leadership as an action.
Strengthen self-awareness, resilience, and presence - acknowledging that effective leadership begins with inner development.
Design and deliver a community project that addresses a regional need - putting leadership into practice through real-world action.
As well as:
Receive academic recognition, with the opportunity to gain credit towards a Master of Business Administration or Graduate Certificate of Management from Deakin University.
Join a network of over 650 alumni from the Committee for Geelong’s leadership programs.
Who Should Apply?
The Leaders for Geelong Program is for people who believe leadership is about action, not just position. Participants in this Program are people who care about the Geelong region and are ready to step up, collaborate and contribute to shaping a better future for this region.
People who typically apply are:
People who have been quietly taking action in their workplaces, communities or through lived experience. These participants are ready to grow their confidence, develop their skills and expand their influence so their leadership has a greater impact.
People who are actively driving change within their organisations or communities and want to connect their leadership to a bigger regional context. These participants are seeking cross sector collaboration, fresh perspectives and the tools to influence complex challenges.
People who have been leading within organisations in the region and now want to extend their networks and influence beyond these boundaries. These participants are motivated to connect with diverse peers, share their expertise and contribute to the collective leadership shaping Geelong’s future.
The program supported my skills and knowledge to be transferable to more than just my aged care career history and proved I can make a difference to the local community and help foster meaningful change. This was reiterated by the community project, that improves the lives of youth within our region, which was an honour to be a part of.
‘Participating in this program has supported my leadership growth and network, increased my awareness and appreciation of our amazing Geelong region, and provided me with the opportunity to support the work of a wonderful community organisation.’
Visiting amazing locations, businesses and learning about the broad range of research, developments and opportunities that are available to our region has been inspiring. It has also been important to learn the areas where our community has a key role to play in supporting our region to thrive.
Community Projects - Leadership in Action
Since 2008, Community Projects have been a core component of the Leaders for Geelong Program. Participants form teams of between four and six people and partner with a local community focused organisation to co-create solutions to pressing challenges and enable meaningful change.
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Benefits to Employers
By sponsoring an employee to participate in the Leaders for Geelong Program, your organisation is investing the development of leaders who are enabled to:
Bring back strategic insights into the political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental forces shaping the region.
Develop meaningful connections with a diverse community of peers and local leaders, which could open doors to new collaborations, partnerships and innovation opportunities.
Develop the leadership mindsets, skills and behaviours needed to lead in a rapidly changing world.
Be more prepared for future leadership opportunities within your organisation, improving your internal leadership pipeline.
This is far more than professional development - it’s an investment in leadership for your organisation, and for the communities that your organisation is a part of.
Pricing
$10,395 incl GST for Corporate and Government participants
$7,392 incl GST for small not-for-profits and self-funded participants
Each year, we offer 1-2 scholarships for eligible participants. The eligibility criteria is determined by the scholarship provider and may include either full or partial funding.
Program fees are all inclusive other than flights to / from Canberra and airport transfers, which are to be booked at the expense of the participant / sponsoring organisation.
Program fees must be paid upon acceptance into the program to secure the enrolment. Invoices will be issued directly to the participant or their sponsoring organisation upon acceptance into the Program.
How to Apply
The application process for 2026 will begin in mid September 2025.
If you have any questions or require further information, please contact the Community Leadership Coordinator, Karen MacAdie at lfg-admin@committeeforgeelong.com.au
The Leadership Team
Lauren Carnegie
Community Leadership Director
Karen MacAdie
Community Leadership Coordinator
Partners
