EMERGING leaders from across the region have started their journey in the 2024 Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program.
Inglewood’s Izzy Rollinson, Loddon Shire councillor Dan Straub and Inglewood footballer Jed Rouse are among the 18 people joining this year’s course.
The 2024 program was launched at a function for participants, sponsors, past graduates and guests.
“I was so nervous of what was ahead but now I couldn’t be more excited,” said Izzy Rollinson, 21, who is sponsored by the Loddon Shire Council. 
“I’m looking forward to pushing myself outside my comfort zone and making an impact on my community.”
Jed, who is one of two recipients across Victoria of the Denis Tricks Scholarship, said:  “I thought the orientation day was exceptional! There is a lot of heart, thought and care that goes into the program and it is a very comforting environment.
“I’m looking forward to growing as a person as well as being there for others sharing the journey.”
The leadership program is in its 26th year with more than 600 people having completed the course.
“The 2024 program is supported by the Foundation of Rural and Regional Renewal, through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund,” said LEAD Loddon Murray executive officer  Brett Thompson.
 “Each participant is funded by one of our valued sponsors who wish to contribute to building our communities’ capacity for self-determination and management of many issues including health, climate resilience and disaster recovery.”
Participants will meet this month for their first retreat, hosted by the Central Goldfields Shire Council, which will focus on Regional Context.
Participants completing the program also work on developing a community project, with many of these concepts completed since the program was first held in 1998. “Graduates become more effective community leaders, with many of these people going on to support their fellow residents on community committees or within all levels of government,” Mr Thompson said.