Leadership program builds hope from heartbreak

By Corinna Boldiston

GREG Cole entertained the idea of doing a community leadership program for 15 years before “the timing felt right”.

In hindsight, he said “prioritising time” for Gippsland Community Leadership Program (GCLP) would have been valuable while growing businesses, parenting and community volunteering.

However, he is equally grateful at 52-years-old for his leadership development and networking within the 2021-22 GCLP cohort.

“I am now a more measured and considered leader,” Greg, who was sponsored by Gardiner Foundation, said.

“I would recommend the course to any potential and current leader. It’s a great program for anyone who wants to make a difference in their community.”

Among the tangible outcomes for Greg was transferring the program’s session on the ‘Above and Below the Line’ pyramid into his every-day life and implementing as a business policy.

Another highlight of the regional leadership program was Greg’s syndicate’s community project Heartbreak to Hope; a published collection of East Gippslanders’ stories in the wake of drought, bushfires and COVID restrictions.

Greg’s syndicate – dubbed ‘Keeping Up with the Jones’ after 2017 GCLP alumnus and mental health advocate Sallie Jones of Gippsland Jersey – collated and edited the 150-page fundraising book.

The five-member group raised $45,000 to print 1000 copies, with all proceeds from sales supporting mental health services at Bush Nursing Centres in East Gippsland.

Designed and printed by a local business, the book features heartbreaking and soul-warming recollections of the region’s 2016-19 drought, 2019-20 bushfires, and the impact of COVID-19 on recovery.

To apply for a place in a Gardiner sponsored Community Leadership Program in 2023, visit gardinerfoundation.com.au/rla or email Richard Meredith at richard.meredith@gardinerfoundation.com.au

For more information or to order a copy of Heartbreak to Hope, visit heartbreaktohope.bigcartel.com