Alpine Valleys Community Leadership (AVCL) is bitterly disappointed that state government funding for Regional Community Leadership programs will cease from 30 June 2023. This includes our Annual Program.
Despite no further funding from 1 July 2023, AVCL will continue to deliver the 2023 Annual Program drawing upon all possible resources to do so. Judy Charlton, Chair AVCL says: “The participants of our 2023 Annual Program will not be disadvantaged by this budget decision and we look forward to the outstanding work of this program continuing.”
The AVCL Annual Program is part of a broader state-wide network of nine Victorian Regional Community Leadership Programs and this decision comes as a blow to all regional communities. This network will now urgently work with Regional Development Victoria to look at any possible support that may be available to assist the programs as they continue to deliver their commitments in 2023.
AVCL first commenced its Annual Leadership Program in 1999. Nearly 500 participants have graduated from the program. Many of these people have gone on to senior leadership roles in Victoria and nationally, as well as providing critical grass roots leadership in Northeast and Border communities.
Regional Community Leadership programs (RCLP) have contributed significantly over many years to building leadership capability in their communities. A study in 2022 concluded that annually over $158M of state-wide Public Value was delivered through the RCLP Alumni and program participants. This public value has delivered direct benefits and tangible outcomes to regional communities, including Alpine Valleys.
“AVCL has been preparing for this possibility including recently attaining endorsement as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) and Public Benevolent Institution (PBI). For the AVCL Annual Program to continue in 2024 and beyond, we will need to do so without government funding and rely totally on corporate, philanthropic and community support.”
“AVCL will consult with key stakeholders in the coming months to develop a strategy for continuing a community leadership program so this valuable service is not lost to our region” said Judy.