Leading the Way - Community Leadership Program

IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Live4Life Adviser Cathryn Walder (L) stands with Live4Life Deputy CEO Rebecca Morecroft before a 'leadership' banner at the 2023 Community Leadership Program graduation ceremony.

Congratulations to our very own Cathryn Walder on graduating this month from the 2023 Community Leadership Program! Leadership Great South Coast's annual flagship program is designed for leaders and emerging leaders in the region.

Running from February to December, the program extends participants' knowledge, ethical decision-making, and leadership qualities. The Graduation Ceremony was held at the Pavilion, Warrnambool on Thursday, 7 December, hosted by Paul Lougheed and joined by principal partners, program partners, employers, board members, program day presenters, and family and friends.

Cathryn is one our longest-serving staff members and is currently Live4Life Adviser (South West). Cathryn says the year-long program offered valuable insight and different tools and techniques to help her be a strategic, considered, and thoughtful leader.

"The highlight was the diverse group of new found friends, colleagues, and support crew I have gained across the Great South Coast, in particular my project team that I worked closely with for 6 months with to develop a Community Climate Network Scoping report."

"I would encourage anyone who is interested in doing such a program to really commit themselves to each and every opportunity. You get out of it what you put into it. I waited for 8 years to be ready to finally commit to doing the program and I am glad I did. Very grateful to my sponsor A.L. Lane Foundation for making it possible!"

We're all very proud of our 'Shep'. As an experienced Live4Life hand, her understanding of rural community mental health is brilliant. And she has long shown her leadership qualities at Live4Life. Well done Cathryn!