Esperance Rural Leadership Inc.

Esperance Rural Leadership Inc (ERL) was established in 2000 by a dedicated and enthusiastic group of young people who had previously completed a leadership course under the banner of Progress Rural or the WA Rural Leadership programme. The group had experienced first hand the huge benefits to individuals and communities that this type of leadership programme offered and resolved to form a group that would provide similar opportunities in our own community and on a local level.

Since that time ERL has successfully held three leadership courses in Esperance, with the most recent one being completed in April, 2005.

The courses aim to:

1. Encourage and provide potential leaders with the skills, motivation and confidence to seek an active role in addressing current and future issues affecting their local communities and rural industries;
2. Produce leaders who are capable of developing and articulating a shared vision; have the ability to engender enthusiasm and commitment in their regional community; and possess a greater understanding of the concepts of grassroots involvement in planning for their local community’s future; and
3. Empower individuals to develop an innovative culture within their businesses, industries and local communities throughout regional and rural Australia to ensure our future sustainability.

Over 50 participants have graduated from the past three courses, with 15 graduating from the most recent course. Following completion of the course many graduates have been heard to describe the experience as “life changing and one of the best courses they have ever completed.” Participants have highlighted their personal growth and understanding, increases in confidence and the ability to appreciate how other ‘types’ operate as being some of the positive influences gained from completing the course.

ERL also holds seminars and conferences, including the 2003 Family Farming for the Future conference which attracted 150 delegates. Small courses such as Myer-Briggs Personality typing, guest speaker functions and graduate get togethers are also held on an as needs basis.

ERL has won numerous awards for its courses including the WA Department of Local Government and Regional Development’s Community Leadership Awards (2005) and the WA Premier’s Australia Day Award for 2006.

The group can be contacted via it’s website – www.erl.org.au