Glenelg Shire Council became the first regional council to partner with the Western Bulldogs Leadership Program in 2014 with 12 workshops delivered at sites across the Shire as well as two weekend camps in Melbourne.
The Western Bulldogs Leadership Program is an initiative of the Western Bulldogs Football Club in collaboration with five local councils (Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton and Moonee Valley), one regional council (Glenelg Shire), AFL, AFL Victoria, Netball Victoria, CDC Victoria, Sport and Recreation Victoria, Victoria University and the Western Region Football League.
Using sport as a vehicle, The Western Bulldogs Leadership Program capitalises on the educational resources (community partnerships, facilities, players, coaches, staff) available at the Western Bulldogs and its partner agencies to provide a unique capacity building program designed to inspire and educate the next generation of community leaders in Victoria’s western region by providing selected young leaders with high value experiential leadership opportunities.
The Western Bulldogs Leadership Program partners with organisations and agencies from a broad range of sectors (education, sport, health, youth and community) to provide young leaders with a variety of leadership and life perspectives and experiences.
Opportunities for the young people to connect with their Council and community are provided through Council facilitated sessions and completion of a Community Leadership Project, an initiative designed to develop the young people’s social awareness and project management skills.
The Western Bulldogs Leadership Program caters for 16 male and female Year 9 and 10 students, who embark on a seven month enrichment program.
Through participation in The Western Bulldogs Leadership Program , Young Leaders receive nationally recognised coaching qualifications from AFL and Netball Victoria, attend Western Bulldogs and Melbourne Vixens matches, attend workshops facilitated by high profile guest speakers, connect with their local council and community and develop lifelong skills.
Nominations for The Western Bulldogs Leadership Program open in February each year and young people are selected based on the strength of their application and responses to the key selection criteria.
Although The Western Bulldogs Leadership Program does involve participation in physical activity, sporting ability is not considered in the selection process. The Western Bulldogs Leadership Program is a community focussed initiative designed to attract young leaders who possess a keen interest to develop personal and professional qualities.
If you would like more information on The Western Bulldogs Leadership Program , please call Cathryn Walder on (03) 5522 2137 or email cwalder@glenelg.vic.gov.au or visit www.westernbulldogs.com.au/whittenproject