Supporting aspiring leaders in Brimbank

Recent graduates of the Brimbank Community Leadership Program. (Supplied)

Having supported hundreds of aspiring leaders in the community since its inception, the free Brimbank Environmental Leadership Program is once again accepting applications.

Touted as an opportunity to make a “real impact” in the community, the program is back for another year – this time, with a more sustainable outlook.

Through the initiative, selected participants will be empowered to brainstorm, create, and deliver a community project that promotes environmental change.

Through hands-on workshops, mentoring, and collaboration with like-minded peers, individuals will develop leadership skills and gain practical experience in driving sustainable solutions.

“The program is making a positive difference in our community, empowering people who care about the environment to plan, design, and implement projects that help protect it,” mayor Thuy Dang said.

Some of the topics covered in the program include information around community leadership, different leadership styles with support provided for participants to understand their own style, communication and public speaking skills, project planning and working with others.

To participate, candidates need to be 18 years or older and live, work, volunteer or study in Brimbank.

They also need to commit to attending at least 80 per cent of the program and participate in the community project.

Cr Dang said spots were limited for the opportunity which would help people turn their vision for a greener, healthier community into reality.

“These are important initiatives … [for] supporting an inclusive and connected community and promoting leadership roles in the community,” she said.

As a recent graduate from the 2024 program, Huda Abushwima reiterated the benefits people could get by participating.

“It was an amazing experience, I learned a lot about creating projects that help people,” she said.

“At the end of the workshops, we were able to develop a project that helped kids during the Christmas season so it was great.

“We applied all our knowledge for that project and overall I have become more confident that I have the capacity to make a change.”

The program will start in April, with applications closing at 11.59pm on Sunday, March 23.