Who are the next generation of community leaders in the Murraylands?

Regional Development Australia has just been given $2 million to find out.

More than 50 local leaders will benefit from a new regional leadership program which will be developed by RDA Murraylands and Riverland.

The organisation has been given free rein to figure out which industries or geographic areas have the greatest need for new blood in leadership.

It will then arrange training programs or mentorships to fill the gaps they find.

Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister David Basham announced the investment in Murray Bridge on Monday.

“Today our regions contribute around $29 billion per year to our state’s economy, with just under 150,000 people employed in regional South Australia,” he said.

“The Marshall Liberal government wants to build on this and ensure regional communities continue to grow and prosper now and into the future.

“Leadership is essential in creating successful businesses, community organisations and devising and delivering on local plans for growth.”

The $2 million in state government funding will be split evenly between South Australia’s seven RDA regions, and is intended to help about 400 leaders across the state.

It is not the first time RDA Murraylands and Riverland has aimed to support the next generation of local leaders.

It, the state government and TAFE SA delivered leadership and management training to several dozen locals as part of the Murraylands Leadership Program at the Murray Bridge TAFE campus in 2018-19.

Disclosure: The author was a participant in the former Murraylands Leadership Program.

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